News Today: Sri Lanka Marks Sixth Commemoration of Easter Attacks

The sixth commemoration of the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka is being held today, April 21st, 2025, across the country. These attacks, which shook the nation and the world, resulted in the deaths of more than 270 people and left over 500 others injured. This long-tailed tragedy continues to evoke memories of loss, pain, and resilience.

The coordinated suicide bombings, executed by an Islamic extremist group, targeted three Christian churches — St. Anthony’s Shrine in Kochchikade, St. Sebastian’s Church in Negombo, and Zion Church in Batticaloa — and three luxury hotels in Colombo around 8:45 a.m. on Easter Sunday. Two additional explosions occurred later: one at a hotel in Dehiwala and another at a house in Dematagoda.

To mark this solemn day, the Sri Lankan Catholic Church has organized a series of memorial events. The most significant will be held at St. Anthony’s Church in Kochchikade, one of the original targets. A special mass, led by His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, will begin at 5:30 p.m. During the service, the Vatican’s recognition of the victims as “witnesses of faith” will be officially announced, as confirmed by Father Jude Crishantha Fernando, Director of Public Relations for the Archdiocese.

Earlier in the day, a commemorative procession will take place, moving from St. Lucia’s Church in Kotahena to St. Anthony’s Church. Due to these observances, Colombo Police have implemented temporary traffic restrictions within the Coastal Police Division. Roads in Kotahena will be closed from 7:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., and authorities have urged motorists to use alternative routes to minimize delays.