01/25/2021 Sri Lanka (International Christian Concern) – According to the Union of Catholic Asia News (UCAN), the Christian community of St. Sebastian’s Church in Sri Lanka held a remembrance ceremony for those killed in the 2019 Easter Bombings.
On Sunday, January 24, candles were lit and prayers were offered for those who died as a result of the 2019 suicide bombing of St. Sebastian’s Church. The remembrance ceremony was held in connection with the feast of St. Sebastian, celebrated on January 20.
On April 21, 2019, Easter Sunday, suicide bombers attacked three churches and several luxury hotels across Sri Lanka in coordinated attacks. Some 350 people, many of them Christians celebrating Easter, were killed as a result of the bombings. ISIS took credit for the attacks.
St. Sebastian’s Church was one of three churches targeted by suicide bombers on April 21. Since the attack, the Christians of St. Sebastian’s Church have conducted their worship services under the protection of the army and police.
Recently, courts in Sri Lanka ordered the release of 10 individuals arrested in connection with the Easter Bombings. Christian survivors have expressed their concern over fears that no justice will be provided for the victims of the bombings.
“The release of a group of suspected arrested in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks has caused great consternation among Catholics over the ongoing investigation,” Nuwangi, a teacher from Negombo, told UCAN. “Independent evidence should be sought in this case and the culprits should be punished to ensure justice for the families.”
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