21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Face of an Easter Attack Victim

On Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019, a coordinated bomb attack was carried out by an extremist Muslim terror group on three churches and three luxury hotels in the commercial capital of Colombo, Sri Lanka. 272 people died, and hundreds more were injured. The dead include both local and foreign nationals. These series of attacks left the Island Nation grief-stricken and in shock. A nation that had just come out of a 30-year civil war and was enjoying “peace” and “life back to normal”, was propelled back to live once again in fear and distrust. A 10-year-old boy named Rodney Deran Shenon visited Anthony's Shrine in the Capital of Colombo on the morning of April 21, 2019, with his parents and little brother to attend the service on Easter Sunday. Unfortunately, Rodney Deran Shenon's mother was killed in the bombing; his father, brother, and himself survived. Shanon and his father suffered severe burn injuries. Shenon's little brother, who was in his mother’s arms, miraculously escaped physical damage but suffers emotionally from the loss of his mom and the whole traumatic experience.   Rodney Deran Shenon suffered severe burn injuries to his head and face. He was so badly burned that he had to get about with a complete mask over his head and face to protect his skin from exposure to infection. Due to his injuries, he lost one year of school. Darran Shenon is now 14 years old and now lives with his younger brother and relatives. The Catholic Church provides him with resources for his education as well as all other needs. Four years have passed, but the trauma to those parents who lost their children and children who lost a parent or parents is still in grief, and their suffering is immense.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 10.2023
Date Uploaded: 10.2023
Photo Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Camera: ILCE-7RM5
Copyright: © Thilina Kaluthotage