The Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Sri Lanka yesterday urged the faithful and all citizens to stay calm and act with prudence and restraint.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference in a statement issued by its president Rt. Rev. Dr. Winston S.Fernando and Secretary General Rt. Rev. Dr. Valence Mendis expects the government to conduct an immediate inquiry and ensure safety of all citizens.
Excerpts of the statement:
“The Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Sri Lanka is deeply saddened due to the tragic incidents which took place on Easter Sunday. The brutal attack on three churches and some other places targeting the innocent civilians has taken away nearly 300 lives and severely injured several hundreds. The fact that this attack on the Churches took place when the people were at worship on the most sacred feast of Easter is indeed a cruel act which is extremely deplorable.
“We urge our faithful and all citizens to stay calm and act with prudence and restraint. We expect the government to conduct an immediate inquiry and ensure the safety of all citizens of this land.
“ Following the reaching and life example of Jesus Christ who underwent undeserved suffering and offered himself to serve the humankind, we must also be prepared to have a compassionate heart and prayerfully seek solutions in a human and just manner”.