Fears of new attacks in Sri Lanka, they celebrate masses on television | Chronic

After serial attacks on churches and hotels that claimed the lives of 253 people, Sri Lankan Catholics followed television channels from their homes, while the churches remained empty after the mbades were suspended until they closed. again, for fear of further attacks. .

The president of the country, Maithripala Sirisenaand the Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, attended a private ceremony broadcast nationally by radio and television and directed by the Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, accompanied by other priests.

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Catholic religious services suspended by the Sri Lankan Bishops' Conference, fearful of renewed attacks, such as those perpetrated on Sunday against three churches and three hotels, in which 253 people were killed and more than 500 wounded .

However, a vigil was held in front of the San Antonio church, one of the sites of the attack, at 8:45 am local time (14:45 GMT), when the series of almost simultaneous attacks began last Sunday. , informed the EFE news agency.

During the sermon, Malcolm reminded the victims and their sufferings as a result of the "terrible tragedy" of attacks by at least nine suicide bombers charged with explosives and which the cardinal described as dangerous. "insults towards humanity".

The highest Catholic authority in Sri Lanka has asked parishioners for prayers for the security and coexistence of the country, a ceremony in which they can understand each other without distinction.

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According to the data of the Episcopal Conference, Catholics represent 6.1% of the population of just over 22 million inhabitants.

The series of attacks that took place Sunday was held almost simultaneously during the Christian Easter celebrations.

Since then, and throughout the week, security forces have conducted raids and neutralized dozens of explosives in different parts of the country, which have been supplemented by the arrest of dozens of people who would be related to the attacks.