By Lillian Sopera Keneqa – EMTV News, Port Moresby
Sri Lankan PNG Friendship Foundation gathered on Sunday for an evening of solidarity to remember those who died during the horrific acts of terrorism on Easter Sunday, in Sri Lanka.
At the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Port Moresby, the service was filled with moments of silence, choruses and prayers, offered to God in good faith that those who lost their lives are at rest in eternal peace. The small community of Sri Lankans living in Port Moresby, joined by friends, gathered on Sunday evening in solidarity to offer prayers.
The prayers were for those who lost their lives during the terrible bombings that killed over 300 innocent lives and injuring nearly 500 people.
Sri Lankan PNG Friendship Foundation President, Panditha Bandara said, “…the Foundation is profoundly saddened to learn of the horrendous acts of terrorism, which took place on Easter Sunday at three churches and four hotels.”
Through the Bible readings, Father Francis reminded all to overcome evil with good, and to bless those who persecute them.
And so the prayers were offered up for victims of the terror attacks, the families left behind, and those who were responsible for the terrorism. However, the Sri Lankan PNG Friendship Foundation condemns the brutal act of terror.
Bandara said, “The foundation condems this barbaric act and all forms of terrorism in the strongest form and we stand firm with the government and fellow Sri Lankans at this tragic time.”
He also expressed the heartfelt sorrow and deepest condolences to the grieving family members of the victims saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”
While in Sri Lanka leader of the catholic community Arch Bishop of Colombo, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith condemned the Easter Sunday attacks as “an insult to humanity”.
Conducting a special Holy Mass at the Arch Bishop’s House on Sunday morning the Cardinal made these remarks, “It’s a great tragedy that happened. It’s an insult to humanity- those human beings and above all in the name of God – God who is love, mercy…so how can we kill someone?”
