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Government allowed the murder of innocents, says distraught man who lost wife and daughter
A Sri Lankan-born Buddhist man’s hopes and dreams were blown away in an instant last Sunday when he lost his loved ones in Katuwapitiya.
Sudesh Kolonne’s family, with dual citizenship in Australia, had returned to Sri Lanka in 2014 with the hope of making a small contribution to the homeland with the knowledge and skills they had. But his wife and daughter perished in the suicidal bomb attack at St Sebastian’s Church in Katuwapitiya.
Remembering his beloved daughter. Pix by Ishanka Sunimal
Mr Kolonne, a Buddhist who usually goes with the family to church whenever he is in the country, had accompanied them on Easter Sunday, but waited outside the crowded church.
His wife Menik Suriyarachchi and daughter Alexandria Kolonne had remained in Sri Lanka since 2014. Mr Kolonne had returned home recently.
He drove his wife and daughter to the Katuwapitiya church at 7:00 am and then went to park the car.
“As I returned, the church was packed, so I waited outside. Suddenly a loud noise came from within the church. I went in found many dead inside,’’ he said.
There was cloud of black smoke and dust inside and yet he searched for his daughter and wife.
“I saw my daughter on the floor. She was hurt. I held her but she had already passed way. Next to her was her mother. She appeared alive, so I held her tight and cried for help. She was taken to Negombo hospital in an ambulance, but was pronounced dead on admission.’’
He said that the government and all politicians must take complete responsibility as they knew of the attack and protected themselves while neglecting the safety of innocents.
“This is murder. The government allowed the murder of innocent people including my wife and five-year-old child.’’
He said his daughter was born in Melbourne and was a sweet girl who loved singing and dancing.
“I am still in shock, I have no future plans as I am left without my child and wife who I dearly love. The government murdered them, they are strongly responsible,’’ he said.
Sudesh Kolonne: Devastated
“The Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison even called me and wanted to know what were my requirements, yet none of the Sri Lankan politicians responded.’’
He said that he is surprised considering terrorism had been eliminated 10 years ago.
The government must not undermine public safety, he said.
“The government must not be allowed forget this incident because that can lead to another unfortunate event. The people and the politicians must make sure such event doesn’t occur in future,’’ he said.
“We came to help Sri Lanka, My wife wanted to promote Sri Lanka. She tried to promote tourism, bring investors and even tried to bring a genetically developed mosquito for dengue prevention. Her aim was to [help] develop the country.’’
He said tragedy had struck in a most unexpected place – a church.