Senal Dias speaks to Association of Sri Lankans in Hawkes Bay members and others gathered at the Pathumrungsiwatanaram monastery to remember those lost in the attacks. Photo / Paul Taylor
Senal Dias speaks to Association of Sri Lankans in Hawkes Bay members and others gathered at the Pathumrungsiwatanaram monastery to remember those lost in the attacks. Photo / Paul Taylor
A week on from the devastating bombings in Sri Lanka the local Sri Lankan society in Hawke's Bay and other members of the community have come together to honour those lost in the attacks.
Two services were held on Saturday at different religious sites in Hawke's Bay, one at Clive's Buddhist Temple and the other at St Mary's Catholic Church in Greenmeadows.
Association of Sri Lankans in Hawkes Bay Incorporated president Senal Dias said he was amazed by the number of people from the local community who attended the services, especially the church service.
Sri Lankan Society in Hawke's Bay remember those who died in last weeks attacks. Photo / Paul Taylor
"We are just grateful for all the support we have had not only from the Government but the local council and the community of Hawke's Bay," Dias said.
"It's hard for us because we are so far away from our motherland but it's touching to see so many people who care about us and our people to come and show their support."
Services started at the Pathumrungsiwatanaram monastery near Clive, where mostly the Sri Lankan community attended to pay tribute to those who were killed or injured. Gifts and lunch were offered to the monks as a traditional sign of respect and thanks for their prayer at this time.
Many turned out to pray for those affected by the attacks. Photo / Paul Taylor
St Mary's saw a large attendance from the local community with nearly 100 people attending the service.
Delegates from the region also attended, with acting Napier mayor Faye White and deputy mayor Tania Kerr both giving speeches at the service.
Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst was unable to attend the event due to prior engagements but did pass on her condolences to the Sri Lankan people.
Dias said the service was very special as prayers were said for those affected by the attacks and candles and children's drawings were put forward in front of the Sri Lankan map to honour those who died or were injured in the attacks.
Candles were lit at St Mary's Church for those who died in the attacks. Photo / Senal Dias
"One of the drawings I saw I will never forget, it was three children who were all holding hands and they were all from different religions, one Buddhist, one Christian and one Muslim," Dias said.
"It just shows how people of all ages can come together at a time like this to help support those who need it."
Suicide bombers struck churches and hotels in Sri Lanka in a highly co-ordinated attack, killing at least 253 people and injuring 450 on Easter Sunday.
Islamic State (Isis) claimed responsibility for last Sunday's attacks, but Sri Lankan authorities said its role remained unclear.
It was the worst violence in Sri Lanka since the country's 25-year civil war ended in May 2009.
