“Further militarisation has been called for in a country where the density of soldiers to civilians is one of the highest in the world” – Sri Lankan academic Dr Jude Lal Fernando of the Irish School of Ecumenics.

Archbishop Eamon Martin will hold a special Mass of Remembrance at St Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh, on Sunday.

“I entrust to the Lord all those who have tragically perished, and I pray for the injured and all those who suffer as a result of this tragic event.”