On Easter Sunday, the world woke up to the news of a series of explosions across hotels and churches in Sri Lanka, which claimed nearly 300 lives and left hundreds injured.
As the world reeled from the impact of this devastating news, what also poured in was news of solidarity, of random acts of kindness and of Sri Lankan community standing up to help. To help with the treatment of those injured, the Sri Lankan National Blood Transfusion service appealed on social media requesting volunteers to donate blood:
Due to the prevailing disaster situation blood requirement is becoming increased, request volunteers to donate blood to Narahenpita blood center – Sri Lanka National Blood Transfusiom Service. #LKA #SriLanka pic.twitter.com/UC9Xu4jwwQ
— Daniel Alexander (@daniel86cricket) April 21, 2019
And the netizens were quick to react:
National Blood Bank brimming with people come to donate blood! Such an overwhelming response #faithinhumanityrestored #Slchurchattacks pic.twitter.com/ODnqOhQySZ
— Zahrah Imtiaz (@Imtiaz88Zahrah) April 21, 2019
Overwhelming response at National Blood Centre. It’s so overcrowded they cannot control the crowd. Currently they are sending back people who have come after taking down name, contact and blood group. Don’t rush there now go leisurely as the crowd subsides #LKA pic.twitter.com/EAvYyr73kH
— Usman Ali
In this horrific moment I wold say proudly that I’m a Sri Lankan, standing here in the National Blood Bank for hours to donate blood with 100s of fellow Sri Lankans. Please stop sharing graphic images of the devastation, let’s pray for victims and let’s pray for peace. pic.twitter.com/QOYhCyXy38
— Ramesh Thiruchelvam (@ramthi) April 21, 2019
These images were lauded by many as the face of unity against the heinous crime of terrorism.
In the midst of this tragedy, it’s reassuring to see the outpouring of solidarity as people donate blood. Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Muslim & others are donating because we are humans with the same blood & same spirit of compassion.Nobody can deny our common humanity. #lka
— Mangala Samaraweera (@MangalaLK) April 21, 2019
