Two years after the Easter attacks in Sri Lanka, Christians call for a "serious investigation"

“We're just asking: who was behind all of this? Who planned it? Who are the authors ? What are the responsibilities or omissions of state security forces or agencies? These are questions that deserve answers. The state cannot escape it. Justice is the basis of peace, reconciliation, peace with memory, prosperity and peaceful coexistence. "

Here, the Christian community of Sri Lanka gathered on the occasion of the bloody second anniversary of the Easter attacks. Strikes in three churches left 279 dead and more than 500 injured. Today Christians point to the government's shortcomings in the investigation.

Yesterday, two minutes of silence were observed at 8 am, time of the first explosion which had taken place in the sanctuary of Saint Anthony, in Kochchikade. On this occasion, the cardinal ranjith announced the closure of Catholic establishments for the day and spoke about the ongoing investigation, lamenting that "political movements and transactions seem to overshadow efforts to bring those responsible for the attacks to justice."

He calls for a "serious investigation" and recalls the commitment of the Christian community.

“We will continue this fight until we have a clear sign that the government is really going to investigate and reveal the matter to the public. This is not a problem for Christians or Catholics. It is a problem for the country and its security. "

A desire also expressed by Basil Fernando, National Director of Pontifical Mission Societies in Sri Lanka who wishes to "urge the government of Colombo to promote true justice for our martyrs".

“The Church demands justice, as Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo, pointed out, who reiterated the urgency of shedding light on the massacres,” explains Father Fernando. We simply ask: who was behind all of this? Who planned it? Who are the authors ? What are the responsibilities or omissions of state security forces or agencies? These are questions that deserve answers. The state cannot escape it. Justice is the basis of peace, reconciliation, peace with memory, prosperity and peaceful coexistence. "

A silent march and a prayer vigil were also set up, as well as the establishment of a "martyrs' chapel" in the cemetery of Negombo, a town which houses one of the churches most damaged by the attacks.

MC

Image Credit: Ruwan Walpola / Shutterstock.com