Cardinal requests entire country join in remembrance of Easter attack victims

Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith requested the public to observe two minutes' silence from 8.45am tomorrow as a mark of respect for victims of the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks on the second anniversary of the atrocity. 

Catholic churches around the country too will be observing the two minutes' silence at 8.45am tomorrow, the time when the first suicide bomber struck at St. Anthony's Church, Kochchikade, the Archbishop said speaking at a media briefing yesterday. 

Cardinal Ranjith also requested other religious leaders and places of worship to join in remembrance of the victims of the attacks at temples, kovils and mosques throughout the country. 

The main remembrance event will take place at St. Anthony's Church in Kochchikade with the participation of religious leaders from various religions as well as foreign diplomats based in the country. The Ambassador of the Vatican is also expected to address the event on behalf of Pope Francis.  

Church bells will toll at 8.45am before the observance of the two minutes' silence before being rung again. Candles and oil lamps will be lit thereafter in remembrance of the victims.  

Pix by Akila Jayawardana