The Sri Lanka High Commission, Canada in coordination with Good Shepherd Church, Ottawa organised a Holy Mass and a memorial service including interfaith observations on 28th April 2019 to pay tribute to the victims of the attacks on April 21 in Sri Lanka.
The Memorial Service began with a brief address by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Canada, Asoka Girihagama who said that the attacks had brought grief and destruction not only to Sri Lankans but also to a number of foreign nationals who were guests in Sri Lanka.
The service was to remember all those who were affected and those who were injured by the senseless violence. He strongly condemned the attacks that targeted innocent people.
The High Commissioner also said that Sri Lanka has been a multi-ethnic, multicultural country for several centuries and the people had lived in unity and harmony. It was important to prevent disruptive forces from creating disunity among the people.
The Holy Mass was officiated by Archbishop of Ottawa, Terrence Prendergast and Rev Frs Virgil Amirthakumar and Joseph Jacob.
The multi-faith observances were conducted first by the Ven Maha Sangha from Hilda Jayewardenaramaya Buddhist Monastery, Ottawa Buddhist Vihara and Ottawa Therevada Buddhist Vihara representing the three Buddhist temples in Ottawa, followed by Swamy Dhavalkumar Purohit from the Hindu faith and Dr. Muzakir Majeed representing the Islamic faith.
The Memorial Service was well attended by Sri Lankan nationals, Canadians of Sri Lankan origin and Canadians among others.