BEIJING, April 22 (CGTN) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday sent a message of condolence to his Sri Lankan counterpart Maithripala Sirisena over the serial blasts that hit the country.

On behalf of the Chinese government, the people and in his own name, Xi said he mourned for the dead and expressed heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families of the victims.

The Chinese government and people will firmly stand by the people of Sri Lanka and firmly support the Sri Lankan government's effort to maintain national security and stability, Xi said.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on the same day also sent a message of condolence to Sri Lankan Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe.

A string of bombings struck multiple cities across Sri Lanka on Sunday, leaving at least 215 dead and hundreds more injured.