Colombo: The Sri Lankan Church will hold a prayer and silence commemoration of those who lost their lives in the anniversary of the terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka on Easter Day last year. Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo, called for the silence and prayer. At 8.45 am local time the silence began. He suggested that believers light their candles and pray in their homes and pray. Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith also recalled that since there is no direct involvement in church services in the Kovid context, commemoration ceremonies for victims of terrorist attacks can be shared through visual media.
Last year, on Easter Day, April 21, 258 people were killed in terrorist attacks in three Christian churches and luxury hotels. About 500 people were injured. The suicide attack took place at St. Anthony’s Church, Negambo’s St. Sebastian’s Church, Zion Church in Batticoloa and three luxury hotels. In the face of continued threats, public sacrifices were suspended in Sri Lanka. Islamic State later claimed responsibility for the attack. Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith has said that the Christian community is forgiving of those who committed the massacre this past Easter.
