Easter terror attack: Rising from ashes

Cardinal initiates a psychological, social and pastoral support programme for victims and families

By Piyumi Fonseka

A psychological, social and pastoral programme for victims and families affected by the horrific bomb blasts in St. Sebastian’s Church, Negombo and St. Anthony’s Church, Colombo and to build the destroyed church premises will be started on Monday (29) by Seth Sarana – Caritas Colombo Sri Lanka under the guidance of Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith.  

The programme will be based on a household survey to identify psychological, social and pastoral needs of the affected families. Director of Caritas Colombo Fr. D.N. Lawrence Ramanayake told the Daily Mirror that the survey will be conducted in Colombo and Negombo with the participation of Reverend Nuns, Fathers, counselors and data collectors.  
Covering the psychological needs, a trauma counseling programme for the family members who lost their loved ones will be coordinated by Fr. Claud Nonis who is an expert in psychology. The social section of the programme which includes education, livelihood, legal assistance, medical needs, and other needs of the households will be conducted with the coordination of Urban Settlement Development Authority (USDA). The programme will also focus on catering to the spiritual needs of the affected and Rev. Fr. Prasad Harshana will head the pastoral segment.  

First phase of the programme will start for the St. Sebastian’s Church victims on Monday, opening a small office in front of the church. The St. Sebastian’s Church which brought death to the highest number of people, among the total nine terrorist attacks, had been renovated just three months ago for the 150th jubilee. 

The programme will be based on a household survey to identify psychological, social and pastoral needs of the affected families

The programme for the victims of St. Anthony’s Church in Kochchikade will be started within the next week and another programme will be conducted in coming weeks for victims of Zion Church in Batticaloa too.  

According to Fr. Ramanayake, anyone can financially help the programme. Following are the details of the bank account. For further information, please email to sethdirectorrama@gmail.com.  

Account name: Archbishop of Colombo  
Bank: Commercial Bank of CEYLON PLC, Borella  
A/C No: 1190038741   
Swift Code: CCEYLKLX