News
Easter Sunday carnage: Quest for justice will continue – Cardinal
By Norman Palihawadana
Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith yesterday (21) said the leaders of all faiths had joined the Galle Face protest campaign, but the Catholics had been singled out for criticism.
Declaring that the protest campaign had been fueled by the economic crisis, the Cardinal emphasised that justice was yet to be served for the Easter Sunday victims.
Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said so at special prayers held at St. Anthony’s Church, Kochchikade in memory of the Easter Sunday victims, both dead and the wounded.
Defending their decision to bring the failure on the part of Sri Lanka to address the grievances of the community to the notice of the Pope and the international community, the Cardinal found fault with the government for what he called unjust treatment.
The Cardinal said that the Catholics not only appreciated Buddhist culture but accepted their way of life, as well.
Demanding that the perpetrators of the Easter Sunday carnage should be dealt with without further delay, the Cardinal claimed that though Gotabaya Rajapaksa assured us in the run-up to the 2019 presidential poll that proper investigations would be conducted, once he became the President he acted differently.
The Cardinal alleged the Gotabaya Rajapaksa government had transferred policemen, inquiring into the Easter Sunday attacks, and placed the investigation under law enforcement officers close to the administration. He said that in spite of the change of government in July 2022, the incumbent administration, too, failed in its responsibilities.
Referring to the declaration made by Attorney General Dappula de Livera, PC, on the eve of his retirement in May 2021 that the Easter Sunday carnage was a grand conspiracy, the Cardinal asked whether the government took that statement into consideration. He said the quest for justice would continue.
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the table below and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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