Easter Sunday in Sri Lanka

Easter Sunday in Sri Lanka is a significant event for the Christian community, which makes up a small percentage of the predominantly Buddhist population. The day commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, a cornerstone belief in Christianity.

History and Traditions

Historically, the island has been home to Christians since the arrival of Portuguese colonizers in the 16th century, with subsequent Dutch and British influences contributing to its spread. The primary denominations are Roman Catholicism, Anglicanism, and various Protestant churches.

Traditional observances include:

• Attending Mass: Easter services are held in churches across the country with special sermons focusing on themes of resurrection and hope.
• Lighting Candles: Symbolizing Jesus Christ as the light of the world, candles are lit during services.
• Re-enactments: Some communities perform passion plays that depict the events leading up to and including the crucifixion and resurrection.

Festivities

On Easter Sunday:

• Family Gatherings: Families come together to celebrate with feasts. Typical foods might include traditional sweets like 'kavum' (oil cakes) and 'kokis' (crispy cookies), although these are more associated with Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
• Egg-related Activities: As elsewhere in the world, egg painting and Easter egg hunts can be part of family traditions among Christians.
• Charity Work: Many engage in charity work or provide support to those in need as a way of honoring Jesus's teachings on compassion.

Current Practices

In recent years, Easter Sunday has also become a day for promoting peace and reconciliation within Sri Lanka's multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, particularly following events like the 2019 Easter bombings which targeted churches and hotels. Such incidents have led to increased security measures around this holy day.

Despite being a minority celebration compared to national festivals like Sinhala and Tamil New Year or Vesak Poya Day (Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death), Easter remains an important time for reflection, worship, and community bonding among Sri Lankan Christians.