Funeral of priest killed in claymore mine blast

The body of Rev. Father Nicholaspillai Pakyaranjith, who was killed in a claymore mine blast last Wednesday in the uncleared areas of Mannar district, was buried at the public cemetery yesterday amidst a large gathering.

More than 15,000 mourners had come to pay their last respects while the funeral procession that started at 10 a.m. from St. Sebastian’s Cathedral took three hours to reach the cemetery.

Most shops were closed in Mannar town while public transport came to a standstill, as a mark of respect. Anuradhapura Bishop, Rt. Rev. Nobert Andhradhi and Galle Bishop Harrold Anthony Perera were present at the funeral.