The 20th anniversary commemoration of the deaths of civilians killed in a shelling attack on St. Philip Neri’s Church in Allaipiddy, allegedly carried out by the Sri Lankan armed forces, was held with deep emotion at the church on August 13.
The commemoration was organised under the guidance of the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Leo Armstrong. The event began with a moment of silence and the lighting of the memorial flame, followed by floral tributes to the victims.
A memorial Holy Mass was subsequently celebrated in remembrance of those who lost their lives.
On August 13, 2006, amid the prevailing armed conflict, civilians who had sought refuge inside St. Philip Neri’s Church and in the surrounding areas were targeted in a shelling attack at around 4.30 a.m. The attack killed 19 people and injured 54 others.
