Sunday Mass, Lenten pilgrimages as usual: Colombo Archdiocese

The Catholic Archdiocese of Colombo said yesterday there was no need to stop Sunday Mass and Lenten rituals just yet because the coronavirus had not reached dangerous levels in Sri Lanka.

“We don’t want to create more panic by asking the churches to stop Sunday services and Lenten pilgrimages which are a traditionally carried out during this time of the year,” a spokesman for the archdiocese said. “Government has already informed of its decision to close all schools to prevent the virus from spreading and as such there is not need to create more fear among the people,” he said. “Panic and fear can lead to a shortage of food and other essential items.”

It was earlier reported that some Catholic schools were closed from yesterday while the archdiocese had advised school principals of Catholic schools to follow the instructions of the Education Ministry. (Yohan Perera)