Colombage Melani Manel Perera

Relatives and friends bid farewell to their loved ones at the St Sebastian church. The government calls for caution in relation to the Islamic State group’s claims, pointing the finger at two local Islamic groups. The latter sought revenge for the mosque attacks in New Zealand, and might be linked to foreign groups. President Sirisena pledged support for a quick reconstruction of the church.

Today the country came to a standstill for three minutes in memory of the dead of the Easter massacre. Catholics in shock. Family members go in search of missing relatives with photos from family albums. The threat of new attacks persists.

The death toll rises to 290 people with the number of wounded topping 500. According to police, the dead include 35 foreigners. An internal memo showing that intelligence agencies had been warned of the danger of attacks raises questions. Muslim officials express solidarity.

The place of worship is located in ​​Kundichcham Kulam. A group of 25 people waited for the bishop’s arrival before making death threats against him. They eventually threw stones and firecrackers at the church and locked its entrance.

In the village of Siyambalanduwa, the church has been closed for years due to the opposition of Buddhist monks. The protests have also prevented catechism lessons. Alocious, 94, the first Catholic in the settlement, prays every day: “Please Lord, bring back our church to us."

Developing interfaith harmony is a project involving the residents of various villages near Negombo. For Seth Sarana director, getting the trust of the various communities was not easy. Buddhists and Muslims call for action “for future generations”.

Archbishop of Colombo yesterday led a protest in the streets of Colombo. President Sirisena and Prime Minister Wikcremasinghe stood with him on stage. For some believers, the death penalty for drug dealers is not the best solution.

The event is one of many initiatives for Lent. Participants include catechism students. “It was a beautiful event, a good spiritual exercise to put our unity into practice as a parish," some pilgrims said.

In January the Theravada Tripitaka was declared a national heritage. It is the sacred text of Theravada Buddhism, which is practised on the island as well as in Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. For the president, this would ensure that pure Buddhism and the continuity of the religion will be maintained for thousands of years.

Some 300,000 envelopes and 1,500 money boxes are available. Last year almost US$ 25,000 were raised.

The National Fisheries Solidarity Movement organised the protest action. Women demand 50 per cent of seats in Parliament, instead of the current 25 per cent.

The sacristan lives in a fishing village near the Mahawilachchiya Reservoir. Every day she rings the bell of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church to call the faithful to pray. In May, she carries a small statue of the Our Lady from house to house.