Attacks of Muslims : Government at fault – CHR Sri Lanka

 May 25, 2017

Government is at total fault for the increased number of attacks on other religions by extremist groups, blamed the Centre for Human Rights and Research Sri Lanka.

Citing 18 instances of attack and intimidation in the Report on the attacks on Muslim property and places of worship from April 15 to May 24, 2017, the Centre for Human Rights and Research Sri Lanka (CHR Sri Lanka) is of the view that the hesitancy of the Government to punish any person who is accused of corruption and sectarian activities is the main reason.

CHR Sri Lanka urged the Government to take action against those who violate the law protecting to the right to religion.

“….all citizens have the right to be free of discrimination and insecurity because they adhere to a particular faith,” states Executive Director of the Centre for Human Rights and Research Ranjith Keerthi Tennakoon.

Further the report also highlights attacks on number of churches of Non – catholic Christian denominations within the last 40 days located in areas such as Deniyaya, Ingiriya, Devendara and Vavuniya. “The intention of the attackers is surely to create a fear psychosis among the victims,” Tennakoon adds.

The CHR made a surprise remark on the non-reaction of the Non-Governmental Organisations stating that despite their attempts to raise a voice during the previous Government , the NGOs are silent bein very well aware that the gravity and frequency of these attacks are evidently increasing.