Sri Lanka Marks 7th Anniversary of Easter Attacks with Calls for Justice and Special Prayers

Sri Lanka is preparing to mark the seventh anniversary of the devastating Easter Sunday attacks on April 21. The 2019 bombings claimed 279 lives and caused extensive damage to locations including St. Anthony's Church in Kochchikade, St. Sebastian's Church in Katuwapitiya, and Zion Church in Batticaloa, along with several tourist hotels. In commemoration and a continued quest for justice, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith has urged Catholic devotees to observe April 19 as a special day of prayer, with services planned across all Catholic churches island-wide. Additionally, a program titled “Memory, Pain, and Hope – Seeking Justice After 7 Years!” was held on April 17, featuring candle lighting and discussions. While special programs are planned to remember the victims, the Cardinal has also highlighted concerns regarding alleged attempts to obstruct ongoing investigations into the true perpetrators.