“The LORD is near to those whose hearts are humble. He saves those whose spirits are crushed.”                                                                                       (Psalms 34:18)

Dear friends in Christ

On behalf of the General Council of the Ceylon Bible Society, we convey our heartfelt sadness at the tragic incidents which took place on Easter Sunday. The Churches and other places attacked, targeted innocent civilians and claimed more than 350 lives and critically injured more than 500 civilians. The fact that this attack on Churches took place when the people were at worship on the most sacred feast of Easter, is indeed a heinous act of cruelty.

We convey our condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the eternal rest of the souls of those who have lost their lives. Our prayers are also with the injured and we wish them a speedy recovery. We also remember our friends of foreign countries who have entered eternal rest and will uphold their families in our prayers.

We fervently pray for those in Christian love, who unleash violence on the innocent in whatever name, that their sins be forgiven, even as our Lord and Saviour prayed “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)

Under such circumstances the Ceylon Bible Society stands firm with all Churches. Our support and prayers are with you. We also convey condolences and prayers of Bible Societies worldwide and the global fellowship of the United Bible Society.

We will help rebuild Churches and the minds of those traumatized by Sunday’s tragic events. We pray and trust that religious peace, unity and harmony will prevail which will help the continuation of Church services. Our Living Saviour will lead us every step of the way in decisions we take at this moment and lead us to lasting unity among all people of our nation.

With every blessing,

Mr.Eraj Wijesinghe

President

Rev.Priyantha Wijegoonawardena

General Secretary

2019/04/25

Attached Statement  – The Ceylon Bible Society