MORGANTOWN — The Sri Lankan Students Association shared an important message at a vigil to honor the more than 250 people killed in a terrorist attack on Easter — hate has no place in the world, but peace does.
“The world needs peace,” association president Mario Mendis said.
There are about 20 students from Sri Lanka at WVU and Mendis said the community was shocked when they heard the news just over a week ago.
“Most of the students had their parents in Sri Lanka so they were trying to communicate with them,” he said. “The WVU community and their families were safe, but like friends of friends, they were affected.”
Association Secretary Dona Hewagallage said Sri Lanka, known for its golden beaches, is the latest country to join the long list of places that have suffered a terror attack. She cited several other recent examples such as the synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, the Mosque shooting in Christchurch and the synagogue shooting in San Diego on Saturday.
“I can’t help but wonder how anyone with a human heart is capable of committing such heinous acts,” she said. “But moments like these bring everyone closer to each other regardless of what they believe in.”
Dean of Students Corey Farris said the turnout at Monday’s remembrance — about 50 students — showed the saying “One WVU” isn’t just a slogan, it really means something.
“It shows the love our community has for people around the world quite honestly,” he said. “There’s no religion in the world that I know of that teaches hate and tells people to destroy others. So, this is more of what religion teaches us – to take care of each other, to love one another, to include each other.”
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