YEG DESI

South Asian Canadians

Alberta Stands in Solidarity with Sri Lanka

Candle Vigil held in response to the Sri Lanka Attacks in Edmonton

The western world woke up to the news of Sri Lanka Easter Attacks on Sunday, April 21 which brought Grief, Anger and Recriminations around the world. In relation to these unfortunate attacks, The Sri Lanka Canada Friendship Association of Edmonton organized a Candlelight vigil to pray for the victims of the attacks.

It is very touching to see Christians, Buddhists, Muslims & Hindus from Alberta’s Sri Lankan community united in praying for the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks at a vigil last night, said Premier Elect Jason Kenney who attended the vigil.

Premier Elect Jason Kenney

Earlier, MP from Millwoods Amarjeet Sohi wrote “Horrified to hear of the attacks on Christians in Sri Lanka at churches and hotels during Easter Sunday prayers. My heart goes out to the victims and their families during this tragic time”.

Rachel Notley also issued a statement stating: On this, holiest of days, when we are taught to reflect on the power of faith, love, and redemption, we have to recommit to building a world free of racism, intolerance, and religious persecutions in all its forms.

IS Group may be responsible?

The Islamic State (IS) group is being said to be linked to the bomb blasts which killed 321 people and wounded 500 in Sri Lanka, said Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, the President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena said he plans to change the heads of defence forces within the next 24 hours.

The Sri Lankan Police have now detained over 40 suspects in connection with the attack, all of whom were Sri Lankan nationals. A state of emergency remains in effect to prevent further attacks.

Mr Wickremesinghe said that only Sri Lankan nationals had been arrested in connection with the attack so far, but that some of the attackers may have travelled abroad before the bombings.

”We, certainly the security apparatus, are of the view there are foreign links and some of the evidence points to that. So if the IS (Islamic State) claimed it, we will be following up on this claim,” he added.

Sri Lankan officials said 38 foreign nationals were among the dead, with another 14 unaccounted for. The death toll includes at least eight British citizens and at least 10 Indian nationals.