Nationwide religious observances held in Sri Lanka for 2019 Easter Attack victims

By  News On Air   Apr 21, 2026

Seven years after the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, nationwide religious observances are being held across Sri Lanka on April 21 in solemn remembrance of the victims. According to Rev. Father Jude Krishantha Fernando, Director of Mass Communication for the Catholic Church, all churches are conducting special commemorative programmes this morning. These include the tolling of bells, a two-minute silence, the lighting of candles or oil lamps, and prayer services in honour of those who lost their lives. A special Mass is being held at St. Anthony’s Shrine in Colombo under the patronage of Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith. Authorities have implemented traffic restrictions in the surrounding area from 7:00 a.m. until the conclusion of the service. Similar observances are taking place at St. Sebastian’s Church in Negombo. A prayer walk is also scheduled to commence this afternoon from Maris Stella College in Negombo, concluding at St. Sebastian’s Church, with the participation of clergy and lay devotees.