Far from home, Lankans join hands
Students in Montreal light candles to remember the victims of Sunday’s blasts
The process of grieving is a difficult one that Sri Lankans would have to face as a country in the days and months ahead. Hearing the terrible news of a tragedy that wreaked unimaginable death and destruction, far from home, the hearts of many Sri Lankans were with their country at its time of sorrow.
New Zealand
Nearly 200 people living in Auckland, New Zealand stood out in the rain at the Aotea Square to comfort the grieving Sri Lankans in their community on Monday, April 22. The event was put together by Jason Lankino Bandara and Sandani Hiranya as soon as they heard of the attacks.
The pair had reached out to senior members of the community and different Sri Lankan community organizations. They were fully supported by the New Zealand Police and the Auckland Council.
“We felt that following the shock, sorrow and confusion after the event, it is important for us Kiwi Sri Lankan families to unite and come together to comfort one another,” Jason tells us. Both he and Sandani stood with the crowd holding a banner that read “Kia Kaha Sri Lanka!” (Stay strong Sri Lanka!)
Russia
In Russia, the Sri Lankan Students’ Union of Kursk State Medical University stood in solidarity at a candlelight vigil on Monday, April 22. President of the Union, Kasun Illeperuma tells us they felt helpless, as Sri Lankans living abroad. The day was heavy with grief and their minds were disturbed.
“We couldn’t talk to our parents like before and we didn’t know what to do,” he said. But the students believe their strength comes from their unity. They decided to come together and pray for the victims.
The United Kingdom
Several Sri Lankan communities back in the United Kingdom also came together to show their support for the country. A candlelight vigil was held outside the Sri Lankan Embassy in London on Monday.
The event was attended by several Sri Lankans, the Sri Lankan High Commissioner and staff. Senel Wanniarachchi, an attendee, tells us the atmosphere was heartfelt.
Aside from the vigil, the Sri Lankan community of the University of Manchester had raised over 4000 GBP within 24 hours to help needy communities in the areas affected by the blast. The students had partnered with the Rotary Club of Colombo Centennial and are working on a plan as to how these funds could be used.
United Arab Emirates
Members from all religions had come together to pray for the people of Sri Lanka at a special service that was organised by the Holy Spirit Church in Oman on Tuesday (April 23). The Sri Lankan Muslim community living in Oman had also organized a special prayer service to pray for the victims, at the Sri Lankan embassy in Oman on Wednesday.
Canada
More than a hundred residents of Montreal, Canada also came together for the people of Sri Lanka. Candles lit the sidewalks, while a Sri Lankan flag was placed at the base of the George-Étienne Cartier Monument.
Speaking to the Montreal City news, the organizer of the vigil Chanaka Harura stated the Sri Lankan communities cannot be divided anymore. He added the Sri Lankans have suffered enough in a 30-year war and are not ready for another.
Meanwhile, several other vigils were also organized around Ottawa and Toronto as well.
United States
Vigils were also held across the US. In Pasadena, California, the Sri Lanka America Association of Southern California (SLAASC) drew a large crowd for the candlelight vigil at Pasadena City Hall on Monday (April 22). Representatives from all major religions in Sri Lanka spoke to the crowd about the need for unity and peace, the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) said.
SLAASC is collecting donations to help the families of victims of the Easter Sunday attacks. All donations made will go to the Archbishop’s House in Colombo, for those in need.
Australia
Soon after Sunday’s attack, the Melbourne Arts Centre spire was lit up in the colours of the Sri Lankan flag. Melbourne resident Sharan Velauthan has organized a silent rally for Sri Lanka that will take place today, April 28 at the State Library of Victoria.
The event has 620 confirmed attendees and 2000 people who are interested in attending, according to their Facebook event page.