Edinburgh University reverend launches crowdfunder to help SL victims

Edinburgh University's campus minister Dr Liam Fraser has launched a crowdfunder to raise money for the victims of the devastating series of bombings that took place in the country on Easter Sunday, Edinburghlive reported.

A series of blasts, thought to be the work of suicide bombers, ripped through churches and luxury hotels yesterday, with five Brits among the dead - including three of the four children of Scotland's biggest landowner, Anders Holch Povlsen.

Billionaire Mr Povlsen owns 13 Highland estates totaling around 1% of Scotland's landmass. He confirmed that three of his four children - who were visiting Sri Lanka - were killed in the deadly blasts.

Writing on the Justgiving website, Rev Dr Liam Fraser said:

"Recently the world was devastated when Notre Dame was engulfed in flames.

"Today, on Easter Sunday, not only were many churches severely damaged, but hundreds of people have lost their lives. Husbands, wives, mothers, and children have perished, and many families have lost wage earners.

"We stand by the Christian community of Sri Lanka by pledging our donations to help rebuild the ruined churches, and financially support those who mourn.

"All funds will go directly to Sri Lanka through the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka.

"Please share widely to ensure as many funds are raised as possible."

Elsewhere in Edinburgh, tributes were paid to the many victims, with people taking to Twitter to share their tributes.

St John's Episcopalian Church in the West End tweeted a link to Rev Dr Fraser's crowdfunding campaign, saying:

"Pray for the Christian Community of SriLanka, for all affected by yesterday’s heinous attacks, & also for all who are deceived to believe that this kind of evil is pleasing in God’s sight."