7th Anniversary Commemoration of Easter Sunday Attacks

22-Apr-2026

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Marking seven years since the Easter Sunday suicide bombings that shook Sri Lanka, emotional commemorative events and special religious services were held on the morning of April 21 at St. Anthony’s Shrine in Kochchikade, Colombo, one of the main sites targeted in the attacks.

At the invitation of the Catholic Church, ambassadors and diplomats from several countries attended the commemoration. Representatives from the Vatican, European Union, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Canada, Australia, and Japan were among those present.

They lit candles in remembrance of the 45 foreign tourists who were killed, as well as in solidarity with the Sri Lankan victims, and conveyed condolences to Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith.

At 8.45 a.m., the exact time the attacks occurred, church bells were rung in memory of the victims. Thereafter, families of the victims, religious leaders, and the public observed a two-minute silence while holding candles. Emotional scenes were witnessed as relatives paid tribute with tears before photographs of those who died.

Strong security arrangements were in place in areas surrounding the shrine. Special collective prayers were offered for the souls of the deceased and for the well-being of those still receiving treatment for injuries. Religious leaders also prayed that such a brutal incident would never recur in the country.