Two weeks on from the Sri Lanka bombing, more than 100 people gathered at the St Brendan’s parish to mourn the lives and humanity lost after a number of suicide bombings took place, targeting churches and hotels Easter Sunday.
The Easter candle was lit as Sri Lankan and Australian flags were held high down the aisle in the small hands of children to show solidarity and support at the hour of need, followed by white flowers to offer peace and the national flower of Sri Lanka, blue lotus, was brought to the alter.
Sri Lankan Association of the Goulburn Valley secretary Mewan Dissanayake said there were about 60 Sri Lankan families living in the Goulburn Valley, all with families back home.
‘Tonight we show unity while we remember the people we have lost,’ Mr Dissanayake said.
Although the bombings took place in a time of worship for Catholics and Christians, Mr Dissanayake said it affected a whole spectrum of people.
‘We want to unite for those who were killed during prayer, for all religions,’ he said.
The ceremony was led by Dr Chris Wijesinghe, who reminded all in attendance that more than 250 people died on Easter Sunday and many more were injured.
A number of readings followed including a Buddhist prayer, a reading from Islam for the peace of the nation and the English Hymn before a screening of the Sri Lanka aftermath was displayed.
Candles were placed in front of the altar before concluding prayers were laid for peace, for loss and humanity.
Narrative and images courtesy Shepparton News
