The week-long events scheduled for the week preceding April 21 to remember those who lost their lives at the Easter Sunday carnage has been cancelled owing to the COVID 19 outbreak, a spokesman from Archbishop’s House said.
He said there is likely to be one event and they will inform the public closer to the date.
The investigation into the terrorist attacks that killed about 270 and left 500 others injured last Easter is ongoing.
On March 29 police announced that the handler of the suicide bomber who attacked a church in Batticaloa on April 21, 2019 was arrested. The suspect was a resident of Mount Lavinia in Colombo.
“The team investigating into the bombings went through the telephone records (of bombers and suspects), where they have been, and looked into the statements made by suspects. Through this the main suspect who handled and transported the suicide bomber to the Zion Church was arrested today,” Police Media Spokesman SP Jaliya Senaratne said.
Sri Lankan police media said about 30 individuals suspected of being involved in the Easter Sunday attacks are held and being questioned by the CID. Another 60 are under the custody of the country’s Terrorism Investigation Division
A special mass will be telecasted today (12) as the country celebrates the resurrection of Jesus amid the growing numbers of COVID 19 positive cases. Churchgoers for the first time will take part in the holy Easter event from home.
According to Archbishop’s House arrangements to telecast the event was made due to the curfew and lockdown currently imposed across the island to keep the deadly virus at bay.
This year, the ongoing health crisis will not deter people from celebrating Easter. Speaking to the Sunday Observer Piyal Fonseka said he hopes to watch the mass on television with his family and later have a simple meal.
“I will also call all my relatives and friends. We usually meet and celebrate in person but we have to be careful and help the government at this time,” he said.
Fonseka will also observe a minute’s silence with his family to remember those who lost their lives during Easter last year.
“This time it is important that we have faith. That is the true essence of Easter,” he concluded.