Heroes of faith

Whilst welcoming the Vatican’s decision to declare those who died in bomb attacks in churches on Easter Sunday six years ago as ‘Heroes of Faith’ (referring to men and women who have sacrificed their lives for Jesus Christ) on Monday April 21, I would suggest a few other meaningful ways in which the Sri Lankan government could  honour the victims. 

The government can declare April 21 as a National Day of Remembrance, where people across the country take a moment to remember the lives lost. Places of worship can hold special prayer services every year, and people from all religions—Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims—can come together in unity through interfaith prayers. 

Moreover, a peace memorial can be built in places like Colombo or Negombo to give people a quiet space to reflect. The government can also support the victims’ families by giving them financial help and housing support. 

How about organising workshops for young people to teach them about forgiveness and unity? A special stamp and/or coin could be created to honour the victims.

Print, electronic and social media can also help by promoting messages of peace and encouraging different religions to work together. All these efforts can help keep the memory of the victims alive and build a more united and peaceful Sri Lanka.

The above suggestions are for the kind consideration of President Dissanayake and I sincerely hope that he will also bring to book the perpetrators of the Easter attack as promised by him  

Mohamed Zahran 

Colombo