Thousands in Sydney pray for Sri Lanka

More than 2000 people held flickering candles and raised their illuminated phones in Sydney as they prayed for the victims of what has been described as one of Sri Lanka's worst days.

A mass of remembrance was held at Sydney's St Mary's Cathedral on Friday evening after the Easter Sunday bombings in hotels and churches which killed 253 people and wounded about 500.

It was followed by a candlelight vigil in the cathedral forecourt where people huddled together, some holding Sri Lankan flags and many using their phones as lights.

Sri Lanka's Consul General Lal Raj Wickrematunga told the crowd the community will get through with "compassion and love".

"After 10 years of peace, Sri Lanka had to face one of its worst days," he said on Friday night.

"We have faced bigger hurdles before and come through."

Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne, Immigration Minister David Coleman and deputy Labor leader Tanya Plibersek joined the gathering on Friday evening.

Among those gathered was Shanoi Fernando who grew up just 15 kilometres away from St Sebastian's Church in Negombo which was bombed in the attack.

"My mother-in-law who still lives there was in church - a different one - at the same time it happened," he told AAP on Friday night.

"These events have tried to break us down, but tonight, this proves we will come together."

Sydney's Sri Lankan Catholic community came together for the mass with many worshippers having to stand in the packed-out cathedral.

Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher reflected on the two Australians killed in the attack, Manik Suriyaaratchi and her 10-year-old daughter Alexendria.

He described Ms Suriyaaratchi as a successful entrepreneur and her daughter as a "talkative angel" who loved music and dance.

Mr Fisher called for an end to hatred and violence during the mass.

"It's clear the Easter Sunday bombers hated Christians," he told the gathering.

"No more violence in God's name or hands, no more hatred or reprisals."

NSW Sri Lankan chaplain Father Chaminda Wanigasena said Friday's gathering was a "very sombre occasion" after a "moment of crisis".

Sydneysider Corinna Pereira told AAP before the mass that it was a chance for the community to unite and pray for victims and their families.