With more than 500 people injured in the attacks, local
hospitals are in urgent need of blood donations. If you’re in the
country, head to the website National Blood Transfusion Service Sri Lanka to find
your nearest blood bank. According to the site, just one donation
can save as many as three lives.

Multiple fundraisers have been set up to ensure the Sri Lanka
Red Cross Society has the means to help those affected by the
bombings. Go to the website to donate directly to the society,
which helps to connect people separated in the resulting chaos, or
to find campaigns targeting more specific areas of help.

There are several Go Fund Me campaigns that have been set up to
help local communities and families. Kind Hearted Lankans is a campaign raising money to
help by providing mattresses, towels, clothes and personal care
items for victims of the attacks. Be sure to do your research when
donating to unverified campaigns.

Despite the appalling nature of these attacks, Google searches
for the incident are significantly fewer than those for the Notre
Dame fire, a week earlier which reported no deaths and very few
injuries. Use your Instagram, Twitter and other social media
accounts to share facts, images and links to campaign website to
help raise awareness and much-needed funds.

While it is important to spread information relating to these
attacks, it is equally as essential to remember the soul of the
island itself, beyond the horror and bloodshed. The Teardrop Isle,
The Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Serendip; Sri Lanka’s various
epithets provide evidence of the island’s peaceful, tranquil nature
and soothing ambience. The capital, Colombo, has countless culinary
gems and boutique treasure troves, as well as golden, powdery
beaches. Friendly faces and vast, disparate landscapes should be
images that the words “Sri Lanka” bring to mind rather than
devastating headlines.