Vatican to Honour Sri Lanka Easter Bombing Victims as ‘Heroes of Faith’

The Vatican will officially declare the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka as ‘Heroes of Faith’ on April 21. The announcement will be made during a solemn ceremony at St. Sebastian’s Church in Katuwapitiya by Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith.

The recognition honours those who lost their lives while attending Easter Mass, acknowledging their sacrifice for their Christian faith.

Commemorative events will include a 7:00 am prayer procession from St. Lucia’s Cathedral to St. Anthony’s Shrine in Kochchikade, with a remembrance ceremony at 8:30 am. A separate event will be held later at St. Sebastian’s Church, with participation from families, clergy, and diplomats. Cardinal Ranjith is also expected to comment on the government’s handling of the investigation, six years after the tragedy.