Today is Easter Sunday, a day of deep spiritual significance for Christians around the world, marking the resurrection of Christ and symbolising hope, renewal, and triumph over death. In Sri Lanka, Easter is observed primarily as a solemn religious occasion, with church services, prayer, and reflection taking precedence over the more commercialised festivities seen in the West.

This year also marks the sixth anniversary of the tragic Easter Sunday attacks in 2019, when coordinated bombings at churches and hotels claimed hundreds of lives and left the country reeling. While the memory of that tragic day will always stay etched in the hearts of many Sri Lankans, it does not overshadow the enduring faith and resilience of the Christian community.

Since 2019, Sri Lanka has faced numerous challenges, from the global pandemic to ongoing economic and political instability. In the face of these hardships, the themes of Easter have taken on renewed relevance. The idea of rising again, of rebuilding and recovering, speaks not only to spiritual belief but also to the lived reality of many Sri Lankans.

As the country moves forward, the sixth anniversary of the Easter Sunday attacks is being marked with quiet remembrance. After last year’s formal commemorations, this year offers an opportunity for more personal reflection. 

Brunch reached out to several members of the Christian community across Sri Lanka to ask how they continued to observe Easter – navigating their faith, grief, and hope – six years on from a tragedy that shook the nation, yet failed to break its spirit.

Faith, grief and determination

For many Sri Lankan Christians like Antoinette George, Easter is not just a single day of celebration; it is the culmination of weeks of spiritual preparation and reflection. 

“Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday, is the most important season for a Christian, so we go to church a lot throughout this period. It involves a lot of praying. We try to be more holy and basically do better even in our day-to-day lives,” she explained.

Antoinette shared how her family chose to live simply during this time, reducing indulgences and focusing on self-discipline. “We abstain from partying and indulging. We do Way of the Cross every Friday and as much as possible.” The ritual reenactment of the Way of the Cross is a central part of Lent for many Catholics, symbolising Christ’s final journey to Calvary.

She also described the unique symbolism woven into the Holy Week: “Palm Sunday marks the start of Holy Week, and we get blessed palm leaves that we fold into small crosses. Interestingly, the palm leaf crosses from the previous year are burnt, and the ash from that is used on Ash Wednesday to mark our foreheads with a cross.”

Throughout Holy Week, the family continues their observances through fasting and prayer. “The entire Holy Week, my family tries to fast by eating less than usual, skipping meals. Especially on Good Friday, we have just one meal. There will be a lot of praying, doing the Way of the Cross, and reciting the rosary,” Antoinette said.

She explained the significance of Maundy Thursday, which marks Jesus’ Last Supper: “We go to church in the evening for service. There is also the Holy Hour – from 11 p.m. to midnight – where we reflect on how Jesus prayed to his Father before his arrest.”

Good Friday, which commemorates Jesus’ crucifixion, remains one of the most solemn days. “We usually go for the Way of the Cross in the morning and then attend the evening service,” she said. Holy Saturday is a quiet day with no service, leading into the Easter Vigil at midnight. “We usually attend the midnight mass. Then on Easter morning, we celebrate a little – just lunch with family and friends.”

When asked about the impact of the Easter Sunday attacks in 2019, Antoinette shared: “The attacks did affect us. Every Easter Sunday since then has not been the same and we remember everyone who passed away. Since then, there has been increased security around the church as well.”

For many like Antoinette, these spiritual rituals serve as both a reaffirmation of faith and a means of processing the grief and fear brought on by the events of 2019. Even as Sri Lanka continues to heal, the quiet strength of those who return to church every year reflects a collective determination to hold on to hope, community, and belief.

A consistent rhythm

Similarly, Kishani Anthony shared her approach to Easter, which, like many Sri Lankan Christians, is rooted in tradition and quiet reverence. “I have been doing the same thing since I was a little girl,” she explained. “We go to church on Saturday for the midnight mass, then it’s Easter Sunday, and we host a meal for the family.”

Kishani also observes Lent in a personal way, making small but meaningful sacrifices during the season. “I personally give up something for Lent – like meat or something else – and try to stay disciplined through the month,” she said. “Starting from Ash Wednesday, there’s Palm Sunday, which is one week before Easter. We go to church and get palms in the shape of a cross.”

The symbolism of the palm crosses is also a meaningful ritual in her home. “You get a few to hang around your house for protection and blessings. Then next year, close to Ash Wednesday, you return those crosses to the church to be burned. The ash is then used to mark your forehead as a blessing,” she said.

When asked about how the Easter Sunday attacks affected her, Kishani reflected on the importance of maintaining one’s faith. “It was an absolute tragedy, and many lives of our community were lost,” she said. “But I think it is even more important now – more than ever – to stay strong in our faith.”

Despite the tragedy, Kishani shared that her personal observances had remained mostly unchanged. “I continued to go to church as always. It didn’t really change the way I celebrate the festival. In my church, not much has changed – maybe just a more sombre atmosphere.”

She added that the scale and setting of the church could influence how Easter was observed post-2019. “Those who attend the bigger churches probably feel the impact more; they have more visible security now, so it must serve as a constant reminder.” 

For Kishani, however, the quiet, consistent rhythm of her family’s Easter tradition is what keeps her grounded – a reflection of both personal devotion and the collective strength of her faith community.

A time for reunion

Harin Wijesekara offered a different take on Easter traditions, highlighting how celebrations could also take on a more cultural than strictly religious tone. 

“Easter is celebrated just as much as Christmas is – and sometimes even more – among the various Christian denominations,” he explained. “As it is the day on which Christ rose from the dead, many Christians believe that it marks the most important event in the Christian calendar.”

However, Harin acknowledged that for him and his family, the observance was less about religious ritual and more about cultural togetherness. “I’m not a very religious person personally and never really have been,” he shared. “While we do celebrate both Christmas and, to some extent, Easter at home, it has always been more of a cultural thing than a religious one.”

Coming from a mixed household and with many family members based overseas, Easter has taken on a unique flavour in his home. 

“We have always had a bit of a different experience with Easter, especially compared to the more religious Sri Lankan approach,” he said. “We leaned more into the Western traditions – Easter egg hunts with the cousins, Sunday brunch, and a big dinner. It became more of a fun excuse to gather and celebrate rather than a solemn occasion.”

For Harin and his family, April also coincided with school holidays and visits from relatives abroad, making it a natural time for celebration. “The kids who grew up abroad only really know Easter as a cheerful holiday, so we just kept that vibe going,” he said. “It’s always been about the fun, the food, and being together.”

As Easter 2025 comes to a close, what remains clear is the diversity in how Sri Lankans choose to observe and celebrate the occasion. For some, it is a deeply spiritual time marked by fasting, prayer, and solemn remembrance. For others, especially within mixed or diasporic families, Easter serves as an opportunity for joyful reunions, cultural traditions, and creating meaningful memories with loved ones. 

Security concerns and grief may linger, but they have not diminished the spirit of reflection, renewal, and hope that defines Easter, whether it is through midnight masses, a shared meal with family, or simply reconnecting with the community.