Colombage Melani Manel Perera

The attacks killed 269 people on 21 April 2019. The former Methodist bishop of Colombo Asiri Perera urges people to go beyond the wounds. For him, God’s justice is our only guide.

The Archbishop of Colombo wants two symbolic acts to mark the second anniversary of the 21 April 2019 bombings. He also renewed his protest against the government's reluctance to inquire. The Sri Lankan Muslim Council also calls for prayers for the victims and demands the truth.

The prelate slams the former head of state for seeking office again. According to the Archbishop of Colombo, Sirisena must be indicted. If no justice is done by 21 April, he will take to the streets. At 8.45 am, the moment of the first blasts, church bells tolled across Sri Lanka.

During the civil war, he served as bishop of Mannar, in the north. A supporter of the Tamil people, subject of abuses and attacks, abductions and land grabs, he was suspected of supporting the Tamil Tigers and for this, he received threats.

The Women's Federation of NAFSO released a paper highlighting the need to boost the social, economic and political presence of women. Self-reliance and micro-credits are major issues. More than 200 women committed suicide amid society’s indifference. Some nuns stand in support of those in difficulty.

In memory of Jesus on Calvary, youth made the long and demanding journey that separates Welimada’s parish church from the Keklis Estate. For Sister Grace, this is a way to share suffering and pain. The SUPATHA youth group includes initiatives for children, such as English and math classes.

The silent and peaceful protest continues in order to shed light on the attacks of 21 April 2019. Prayers are recited in Sinhalese, Tamil and English. Intentions call for the clergy to have the “strength and courage” to continue to support the struggle of His people. A “cry of pain” comes from Card Ranjith against an act of “senseless violence.”

The prelate points out that “the authors of the attacks” and those who “funded them” have not been identified. The report is “incomplete” and therefore unacceptable to the country’s Catholic bishops. The cardinal reiterates his commitment to the search for the truth and the quest for justice.

The construction of 144 housing units received the green light. The project will cost US$ 1.5 million. The initiative will benefit all pilgrims, because faithful of other religions also pray at the Marian shrine. Plans are being vetted to reopen travel links between Jaffna and Chennai after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sri Lankan Churches held a symbolic protest over the weekend to mark “Black Sunday”, demanding light be shed on the attacks. Card Ranjith and the country’s bishops openly backed the rallies. For many people, the attacks were “planned in every detail”. They want to know the names “of the masterminds”. For the prelate, “We will not fear anybody”.

The Navy stopped a group headed to the area to show solidarity to residents and learn the reasons for their protests. Security Forces have issued an order not to let any outsider on the island. For NAFSO activist, “This is a bigger question.”

Sri Lankan authorities plan to bury Muslims who die from COVID-19 on the island. Environmentalists and locals fear the cemetery will disrupt the island’s fragile environmental balance. The area is famous for fishing, woods, farmland and livestock.