Srilanka

The Security Forces and Police carried out search operations in all schools yesterday, before they open today for the first time after the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks. Extensive security measures have been taken by the Police and Security Forces to ensure the safety of school children as the second term of government schools for Grade six and above commences today (06). The second school term was to commence on April 22 following the New Year holidays, when the Easter Sunday terror attack shook the country on Sunday, April 21.

The government closed down the schools immediately considering the security situation in the country. As a part of special security measures taken to ensure the safety of schools, the Sri Lanka Police in a joint operation with the Sri Lanka Army, Navy, Air Force and the Special Task Force yesterday launched a special search operation concentrating on all schools within the Colombo zone.

Accordingly, 375 groups with 10 security personnel each along with sniffer dogs and other equipment used to identify explosives were deployed to all schools situated in the Colombo 1-15 Education Zone. Colombo Range DIG Lalith Pathinayake told the Daily News that Primary Schools will also be subject to stringent security checks before they commence classes on May 13.

&However, all the Primary Sections in other schools were thoroughly examined during this search operation,& he further said.Meanwhile, the Army Media saidhat they have deployed 7,000 soldiers to conduct search operations at schools around the country. &Accordingly, the Army together with the Police, have conducted extensive search operations at schools during the last couple of days before handing them over to school authorities,& the media unit also said.

In addition to the search operations, the Army has also conducted awareness programmes for school teachers, parents and school prefects on handling emergency situations and security alerts as well. The Army has also strengthened road blocks and security patrols closer to schools.

Meanwhile, Police Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekara at a recent press conference said that tight security measures will be in place at schools around the country as they commence for the second term today (06).Education Ministry Secretary N.M. Ranasinghe speaking to Daily News confirmed that the school term will commence as scheduled. &We have not been informed about any schedule changes,& he pointed out. Ranasinghe also said that they have not received information, as of yet, on any explosives or other such offensive items found within school premises during the island wide search operation conducted yesterday in a joint operation of the police and military forces.

Meanwhile, Police has requested the public to refrain from parking vehicles in the vicinity of all schools from 1p.m today. The Police yesterday released a list of special parking slots arranged for vehicles that transport school students.

Pope Francis says that conscious of the wound inflicted on the entire nation, he prays that all Sri Lankans will be affirmed in their resolve to foster social harmony, justice and peace.In a letter dated 24 April to Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, he expressed ‘horror& over the attacks on Christian communities gathered in prayer on Easter Sunday, and on several other sites in Sri Lanka.

Pope Francis said in the wake of the brutal attacks, he felt moved to assure once more of his profound solidarity and continued prayers for all those affected by these contemptible crimes.&With the followers of all religions, and men and women of good will everywhere, we express horror at this unspeakable offence against the holy name of God and I pray that hearts hardened by hatred may yield to His will for peace and reconciliation among all his children,& he said.

He also commended the Archbishop of Colombo, his brother Bishops, together with the clergy, religious and lay faithful.

Pope Francisletter to Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith:

&In the wake of the brutal attacks on Christian communities gathered in prayer on Easter Sunday, and on several other sites in Sri Lanka, I feel moved to assure you once more of my profound solidarity and my continued prayers for all those affected by these contemptible crimes.

In union with our brothers and sisters throughout the world, I commend the dead to the infinite mercy of God our heavenly Father and ask the Lord Jesus, victor over sin and death, to bring healing to the injured and consolation to all who mourn the loss of their loved ones.

With the followers of all religions, and men and women of good will everywhere, we express horror at this unspeakable offence against the holy name of God and I pray that hearts hardened by hatred may yield to His will for peace and reconciliation among all his children.

At this time of immense grief, may the faithful be confirmed in charity, consoling one another with the hope born of Easter and our unshakeable faith in Christpromises.

Conscious of the wound inflicted on the entire nation, I likewise pray that all Sri Lankans will be affirmed in their resolve to foster social harmony, justice and peace.

With these sentiments, I affectionately commend you and your brother Bishops, together with the clergy, religious and lay faithful entrusted to your care, to the loving embrace of Our Lady, Queen and Patroness of Sri Lanka, and I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of strength and peace in the Risen Lord.&