A MULTI-FAITH prayer was held in Bahrain for the victims of Sunday’s terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka.
Religious leaders from four faiths – Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism – spoke at last night’s condolence gathering, which was attended by members of the Sri Lankan, Bahraini and expatriate communities at the Baan Saeng Thai Restaurant in Adliya.
A series of eight devastating bomb blasts ripped through high-end hotels and churches holding Easter services in Sri Lanka, killing 290 people and injuring 500 on Sunday, while a ninth explosive device went off as it was being defused yesterday.
Among those killed were former Bahrain residents, while some Sri Lankan nationals living in Bahrain have relatives who were injured in the bombings.
Former Bahrain resident Priyanthi Jayakody, 49, died in the blast at the Zion church in the east coast town of Batticaloa while taking part in an Easter service.
Her 18-year-old son Hasaru Jayakody, who is a former student of Sacred Heart School, is battling for life in Negambo Hospital.
Ms Jayakody and her husband Priyantha Jayakody were employees at Ashrafs and left Bahrain for their home country last year.
Her sister, STA Jacintha, who works as a nanny for community worker Chithalka Ambrose travelled to Sri Lanka last night to be with her family.
“We spoke to her husband and he did not go to church that day because he is on crutches,” said Mr Ambrose, who is Sri Lankan Catholic Community co-ordinator.
“Priyanthi was an active member of the Catholic community and at first she was reported missing, while Hasaru was found in the hospital with internal bleeding and underwent two surgeries.”
Another Bahrain resident Anthony Iruthaym lost his 30-year-old niece while her two children were seriously injured in the explosions.
The family was also taking part in an Easter service at St Sebastian’s Church in Negombo.
Long-term Bahrain resident Mohammed Marouf also travelled to Sri Lanka last night to be with his family as they mourn the loss of his sister-in-law and her three children.
The sister-in-law of another resident and government employee Vasantha Kahaduwa was also among those injured.
The Sri Lankan government has blamed local jihadist group National Thowheed Jamath for the bombings with the support of an international network.
Twenty-four people have so far been arrested in a series of raids, while Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena declared a state of national emergency aimed to aid police in the interrogation.
Sri Lankan Ambassador to Bahrain Dr Saj U Mendis, who also spoke at last night’s gathering, has pledged all assistance to his nationals affected by the devastating attacks.
“Anyone who needs help can contact the mission directly, but so far no one has reached out to us,” he told the GDN.
Sri Lankan Club president Ahmed Rizvi said that festivities linked to the Sinhala New Year scheduled for this weekend have been cancelled.
“We strongly condemn such an act of terrorism which has disastrous impact on our civilisation and values,” said the 66-year-old.
“In solidarity, we are avoiding all celebrations including the New Year celebration on Friday.
“Anyone who needs help can contact me directly on 39441989.”
Sri Lankan authorities were reportedly aware of a bomb threat from the jihadist group a full two weeks before the attacks but “did not act on the information”.
However, the warnings were not passed on to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe or his cabinet.
The attacks were the worst act of violence to hit the country in the decade since the end of a civil war that killed up to 100,000 people.
raji@gdn.com.bh
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