No Sunday Mass today in Churches islandwide

In view of the current security situation in the country, Churches have decided not to conduct Sunday Services today. They said they are reviewing the situation until normalcy returns. The Catholic Archdiocese of Colombo said that, after consultation with the Vatican, all Catholic Churches have been informed to refrain from conducting Holy Mass today. However, for the convenience of the faithful, it has decided to conduct Mass via a private television channel. Malcom Cardinal Ranjith will celebrate Mass starting at 8 am. Also, the Archdiocese has directed Churches to avoid having large gatherings at Mass. Spokesman Rev. Fr. Edmund said they have advised Churches from conducting big Masses, even for weddings. He said that Catholics should understand and cooperate.

In the meantime, he said the Western Provincial Council is providing security to all the Churches. "There are police and army personnel in the premises and everybody will be checked when entering," he said.

Also, Church groups will be called upon to be alert and identify suspicious persons coming into the Church. People have been asked to refrain from carrying huge bags and backpacks when entering Church premises.

Meanwh i l e, Christian Churches across the country have also decided to cancel worship Services on Sunday, despite the security provided to all Churches by the Defence Ministry. They said that, despite the presence of security personnel in the premises of the Churches, Sunday Masses have been postponed indefinitely.

A spokesman for the Anglican Church said they are reviewing the situation. The Methodist Church also has cancelled all Services in Churches across the country.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Colombo said that, after consultation with the Vatican, all Catholic Churches have been informed to refrain from conducting Holy Mass today. However, for the convenience of the faithful, it has decided to conduct Mass via a private television channel.