(UTV|COLOMBO) – The European Union (EU) on Wednesday (13) expressed concern over the political and religious pressure directed at the Sri Lankan Muslim community.
@EU_in_Sri_Lanka issues the following statement in agreement with the embassies of France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Romania and the UK High Commission, as well as the Embassies of Norway and Switzerland. pic.twitter.com/YfBzH1B7gm
— EU in Sri Lanka (@EU_in_Sri_Lanka) June 12, 2019
“We are deeply concerned by political and religious pressure being directed at Sri Lanka’s Muslim community, which is undermining peace and reconciliation in the country. Prejudice and unsubstantiated allegations repeatedly published by media serve only to fuel intolerance,” the EU said in a statement.
“We shared our views during a meeting with the Prime Minister. On that occasion, we welcomed the Government’s commitment to address hate speech, and to set up a religious reconciliation council,” said the EU statement issued in agreement with the Embassies of France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, and the United Kingdom (UK) High Commission, as well as the Embassies of Norway and Switzerland.
“We stand by all Sri Lankans working to preserve the peaceful coexistence between all communities, and expect religious and other community leaders to support them and speak out against violence,” the EU said.
“We urge the President, Prime Minister, and all political leaders to reassert the State’s commitment to mutual respect, tolerance, and equal treatment under the law for all, irrespective of faith or ethnicity,” it added.
[alert color=”faebcc” icon=”fa-commenting”]Keeping up to date with breaking news while you are on the move is now simple with UTV Alerts [textmarker color=”8a6d3b”]Type REG UTV and send to 77000[/textmarker] on your Dialog, Airtel, or Hutch mobile connection[/alert]