A series of coordinated bombings has rocked churches and hotels in Sri Lanka, killing almost 300 people on Easter Sunday in the South Asian island nation.

More than 500 people have been injured in the worst attack since the end of the civil war 10 years ago.

The blasts targeted four hotels, including the Shangri-La, Kingsbury and the Cinnamon Grand in the capital Colombo.

Nearly all victims were Sri Lankan. Dozens of foreigners were also killed. 

There were no claims of responsibility for the attacks but the cabinet spokesperson and health minister Rajitha Senaratne blamed the bombings on National Thowheeth Jama'ath, a little-known Muslim organisation.

Here are the latest updates: 

Tuesday, April 23:

State of emergency enforced

Sri Lanka has been placed under a state of emergency as authorities aimed to maintain security and essential services during investigations into the bombings.

President Maithripala Sirisena made the declaration which gives security forces special powers, including the right to search and arrest individuals. 

The country is also observing April 23 a national day of mourning, a decision taken during a meeting of the National Security Council chaired by President Sirisena.