Colombage Melani Manel Perera

A year after the Easter Sunday attacks, a Muslim theologian speaks about the right attitude taken by Catholics, who are waiting for the end of the legal investigations, as well as of the need to defend Islamic youth from extremism.

The bombings left some 280 people dead and nearly 600 wounded. Card Ranjith thanks all those helping victims’ families, urges the government to find the culprits. The commemoration took place amid the pandemic crisis.

The person and work of Mgr Nicholas Marcus Fernando, 7th archbishop of Colombo, were remembered during his funeral on Monday. “He was blessed with many qualities and we know he used them all for the glory of God. For this reason, we wish Archbishop Marcus eternal rest and the love and care of the Lord Jesus.”

The Archbishop of Colombo led Easter Mass without worshippers, streamed live, urging the faithful to bear witness to the resurrection of Christ through a new life, as “an instrument of transformation of society.” About 218 people have tested positive so far for the COVID-19 virus.

Sri Lankan doctors call on the government to exert control, test people and quarantine positive cases. So far, 186 people have been infected with six deaths 42 healed. But the number of positive cases could reach 2,500. Traditional medicinal substances – coriander, ginger, turmeric – are in high demand, pushing up imports. So far 168,92 people have been arrested and 4,313 vehicles seized for breaking the curfew.

The Archbishop of Colombo calls on Catholics to comfort the sick and those who lost their jobs. This is a great show of charity during the Easter period: helping everyone, Catholics and others, without showing off. The country lacks a food distribution system during emergencies. The government quarantine is making it hard to hand out aid.

The archbishop of Colombo makes his supplication on the day of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows. This is the second vow a Church leader makes to Our Lady of Lanka. The first came in 1940 with the pledge to build a shrine to Mary if the country was spared from the world war.

Sri Lanka has 122 coronavirus cases. Next Friday, Card Malcolm Ranjith will ask Our Lady of Lanka to protect the country and the whole world to. People are asked to light a candle at 11 am when the bells begin to toll.

As of tonight, high risk districts are under a curfew. Price controls have been imposed for basic items like dhal and canned fish. Sunday Mass is telecast. Only cargo planes are authorised to land. Borrowers are given a six-month grace period.

The first Sri Lankan infected is a tourist guide who had contact with a group of Italians. People coming from South Korea, Italy and Iran are placed in quarantine. Sri Lankans are urged to adhere to health procedures to limit contagion.

This follows the US decision to bar Sri Lankan army chief accused of war crimes. The UNHRC commissioner calls for compliance with international rules. Local NGO calls on the authorities to admit to past crimes.

The consecrated lay woman is the first Sri Lankan to be declared a Servant of God. She received her stigmata at the age of 22. The Diocese of Chilaw began her canonisation process and is collecting documentary evidence of two miracles attributed to Helena.