According to the Indian press the death toll would rise and more than 370 people have been injured in the incident. It is said that the fireworks display was to be held to celebrate the upcoming traditional New Year which is commonly celebrated in Sri Lanka as well as in many South and East Asian countries.

In a message, the JVP says, with our experience of the magnitude of the traditional New Year celebrated in our countries and knowing the festive and pleasant feelings of the people who celebrate the New Year, we do feel the great sorrow and pain felt by the relatives of the victims and People of India in general.

As a true friend and neighbour of Indian people, People's Liberation Front, Sri Lanka would like to express our deepest sorrow and we extend solidarity to the relatives of the victims and people of India. We wish all the success in relief activities and early recovery for the injured.