Expressing dismay and shock at the multiple bomb blasts that killed and injured hundreds of people in Sri Lanka, the country's former and current crop of cricketers, said the need of the hour is to stay strong and united.
Sri Lankan authorities arrested 24 people in connection with the multiple blasts targeting churches and luxury hotels in the island nation on Easter Sunday, killing over 290 people and injuring around 500 others.
Former Sri Lankan cricketer Chaminda Vaas, who was in Mumbai recently, said he never thought these kind of things will happen in Sri Lanka.
Vaas stressed on the fact that the Sri Lankan people need to stand united this time.
"We need to rebuild. We can rebuild churches or hotels but we can't bring lives back. I am sure the Sri Lankan government and the people will be very united this time and make sure that we stick together," said the former left arm pacer.
Vaas expressed confidence that the situation would be normal again in Sri Lanka.
Herath, who was also in Mumbai along with Herath, said his country needs to stay strong during such times.
Earlier, Dimuth Karunaratne, who will be leading Sri Lanka in the World Cup, had asked the Sri Lankan citizens to be patient, safe and peaceful.
“Dear Sri Lankan’s, I am deeply disturbed with the untimely and unfortunate happenings of this am in Sri Lanka. Sad I am ! Please be patient - We must be strong but calm we are a country of great resilience. Stay Safe and Stay Peaceful,” Karunaratne wrote on Twitter.
Former captain Angelo Mathews also took to Twitter to request the Sri Lankan people to come together during such hard times.
“We as a county need to put away differences and get together at this crucial time to look after one another or we will not have this beautiful country for us or for our children.please don’t spread rumors on social media. We surely don’t need another war,” Mathews requested on Twitter.
Another former captain and Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara despised the ‘acts of barbarism’.
“My heart breaks for the victims and all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. I would like to extend my love and condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives and I wish all those injured a speedy and full recovery,” Sangakkara wrote on Instagram.
Sangakkara asked his countrymen to stand united and grieve in unison.
The southpaw appealed to the masses to not fall prey to conspiracy theories and asked them not to politicise the matter.
Another Sri Lankan legend Mahela Jayawardena, who is currently coaching the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2019, also condemned the dastardly act of terrorism and asked the nation to stay strong.
Sri Lankan opener Upul Tharanga appealed to everyone to stay strong.