Aftermath of Easter Sunday massacre.

St. Sebastian Church is a devoted shrine in Katuwapitiya, Negombo, Sri Lanka and was victim to a suicide attack by Islamic terrorists on April 21, 2019, Easter Sunday while the Holy Mass was being celebrated.

Katuwapitiya is a quiet suburb where people have lived in harmony for many centuries with unity among multicultural and multi-religious societies. On that fateful day, a man walked into the church of St. Sebastian in Katuwapitiya, and blew himself up just before the conclusion of Easter Sunday’s mass, killing and wounding scores of people for a reason only he knew.

Sri Lanka’s history reveals many stories of innocent civilians falling victim to unspeakable crimes due to the obsessions of one man or group. These individuals take matters into their own hands and break all rules of the land as they attempt to fulfill their beliefs violently. These perpetrators find justification for their actions as always, but innocent people of society have always been the target, suffering mostly for a reason unknown to them. Some victims live with physical and mental scars to this day, seeking answers and justice for themselves, and their loved ones from the people who were responsible for their safety.

Pasidu, a young and active resident within the village, as well as a prefect at Joseph Vaz College in Wennappuwa, Sri Lanka, was able to convey to me, a family’s devastating experience throughout the terrorist attack on April 21, 2019.

I met with the family; Mr. Ramon Peiris, his mother Mrs. Charlotte Peries and young son. Roman’s wife Mrs. Ruklanthi Fernando (fondly known as “Chuti”) who was the pillar of the house, had fallen victim that fateful day. I was kindly welcomed into their home and was greeted with typical Sri Lankan warmth. Yes, they were smiling, and showing hospitality, but their expressions were showing sadness of their loss. After a brief introduction, we settled down to recollect what unfolded during the tragic event with Mrs. Peiris and Roman.   

Q: Mrs. Peiris, what is your relationship with the family?

A: “I am Roman’s mother. I lost my daughter-in-law during the bombing.”

Q: How long have you lived in Katuwapitiya?

A: “For the past 20 years.”

Q: Could you recall what happened that day?

A: “I was right in front of the church, where the priests stood. Suddenly I felt a dark cloud covering me. Pieces of tile began falling on me, and I started feeling dizzy. Blood was pouring, and I told my son to tell “chuti” (my daughter-in-law) to take me to the hospital but my son stood there, stunned. [As time went by], my son with the help of my granddaughter, who was [originally] with her mother, had sent “Chuti” to the hospital. Pasidu also helped us take her to the hospital. Later, I learned that my daughter-in-law had died instantly in the church itself. I was treated for head injuries and I still feel the pain and dizziness [to this day]. Thankfully, my son and grandchildren escaped unscathed.”

Q: Where were you Roman, at the time of the attack?

A: “I was outside of the church because of the crowd. Normally, I do that. After the explosion, I rushed in to help.” 

Q: Tell me about the children. How are they managing with all of this?

A: Roman’s daughter is boarded in a convent in Kandy. My younger son is with me and I am planning to board him too. I am worried about their education. My main concern is our children. My youngest son, though he is sad, does not think of [the attack] much. My daughter is the one who suffers most. She had seen what happened and helped her mother to be transported to the hospital. Their children are my main concern until they get married. After that, maybe I will be okay. I must work to fulfil their mother’s [role], but we need help.”

Q: Roman, how are you managing the overall situation?

A: “Lack of financial support is our main difficulty. I was employed before working in England. However, for the last nine years, [I have been under] treatment for depression. [Currently, I work] with a cousin of mine, and I sell spare parts and try to manage the day to day expenses. My wife and I’s savings are kept for the children. We try to take life day by day, but we have no big hopes.”

Mrs. Peiris joined in and stated that their main worries are the expenses for medicine and the education of the children. Earlier, assistance was provided well by the government and the Church. Since time has passed, things have become difficult. We manage from the savings and survive day by day.

Q: What support do you get from the fellow neighbours?

A: “They were very supportive at the beginning but everyone has difficulties and problems of their own. [Due to this,] help does not arrive as before. No one is to be blamed. They helped when they could and we must appreciate that. There are other victims too, not only us.”

Q: What are the family’s main concerns now?

A: “Children’s education and our medicine. True the Church and the authorities did provide assistance but we feel very helpless when thinking of the future of our children and our health. We need to be in good health to look after them.”

Q: What do you have in mind at this moment Mrs. Peiris?

A: “The children. They don’t have anyone to call “mother” now. They are growing, and the future looks uncertain without proper support. At least if someone can help the children to lead a good life and to finish their education, it will be a blessing. I was interviewed many times by the media, and have articles to show. (I was presented with some articles). I am still getting treatments and feel better, but the pain inside me remains. I was in the hospital for two days and came back for my daughter-in-law’s funeral. Lord Jesus will sort the matter and we will wait patiently with faith.”

(I did not press on the matter further since she was feeling very uncomfortable and was very emotional)

Q: Roman, do you wish to add anything? Future?

A: “I hope these types of incidents will not occur again. Sometimes I feel that after everything is forgotten, [will these incidents] come back…I don’t know but I feel [they will]. I hope there will be justice soon for us and the loved ones we lost. We must bring all of [terrorists] in front of the law. Everything changed in a moment, and for us, everything changed forever.

My wife was our strength and guidance. She was a courageous lady and preferred for me to stay at home since I am sick. She went to work and looked after the family’s needs. I can’t think clearly of what a future is without her. We feel our strength is taken away from us.

It was nice to see someone coming after so long and for making inquiries…earlier we had a lot of people coming, but not so much anymore. We understand that we are not the only ones who are suffering. It just feels good when someone makes an occasional visit. 

We believe there will be more help coming for us all.”

Pasidu who made this possible had few words to say on behalf of this family.

“Ruklanthi Akka, (Chuti) was an example to all. She was a devoted wife, mother and friend to all. She had a good relationship with everyone and was a kind-hearted person. She provided help to many, including me in educational needs. 

The villagers too have provided all families with support wherever possible and will continue to do so in the future. We need people, not power and money. We must understand true life, and that one must travel on the path that God has set for us, and be ready to answer his loving call.”

Let it be a message to all.

In Conclusion,

No society could move forward amidst crime and violence. But regrettably, for some reason, certain countries pay less attention to countering or preventing them. The word “public safety” has been discussed widely as never before. In the absence of safety, any society will come under threat or attack, resulting in a higher causality rate whatever the nature of the violence. 

All parties in the community should support and act in unity in protecting society and prevent it from collapsing further. By doing so we will be able to bring justice and peace for individuals, and families like Mr. Peiris who had fallen victim to an unspeakable act of violence.

Special thanks to Mr. Peiris and family, Pasidu, and Claude for their time and support to make this story published.