{"id":126364,"date":"2014-06-19T13:48:50","date_gmt":"2014-06-19T08:18:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.colombotelegraph.com\/?p=126364"},"modified":"2014-06-19T15:02:21","modified_gmt":"2014-06-19T09:32:21","slug":"sri-lankan-government-take-urgent-action-to-stop-attacks-on-muslims-say-300-sri-lankans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.colombotelegraph.com\/index.php\/sri-lankan-government-take-urgent-action-to-stop-attacks-on-muslims-say-300-sri-lankans\/","title":{"rendered":"“Sri Lankan Government: Take Urgent Action To Stop Attacks On Muslims” Say 300 Sri Lankans"},"content":{"rendered":"

We the undersigned Sri Lankans strongly condemn the Bodu Bala Sena<\/span><\/a>\u2019s (BBS) highly inflammatory hate speech against, and brazen physical attacks on the Muslim community in Aluthgama<\/span><\/a>, Beruwala, Welipenna and Dharga-Town in June 2014. We believe that the violence is directly linked to recent statements by the BBS targeting Muslims. We call upon the authorities to immediately conduct independent investigations into the incidents, and hold to account perpetrators and those complicit in such acts. We believe inflammatory statements made by the General Secretary of the BBS, Galagodaaththe Gnanasara<\/span><\/a>, clearly demonstrates his pivotal role and responsibility for the violence. We therefore call upon the authorities to take immediate steps to arrest and charge him for the deaths and destruction in the area.<\/p>\n

\"Gota<\/a>

The President, who is also the Minister of Defence, and his brother, the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development, must ensure that law and order is maintained and reassure the citizens of Sri Lanka that appropriate action is being taken to prevent any further violence and that the perpetrators will be held to account, including those who incited and spearheaded the violence.<\/p><\/div>\n

At the time of issuing this statement, reliable sources who have access to the area during the last few days confirm the devastation and destruction in the region, including the killing of at least three people, with unconfirmed reports that this figure maybe higher, and injuries to around 80 people. In addition, mosques have been attacked and vandalized, and many Muslim-owned houses and businesses in the area damaged and destroyed. Despite curfew being imposed in the area, the violence and the gathering of mobs continued with the inability or unwillingness of the security forces to control them. Many innocent men, women and children continue to live in fear of further attacks. We are extremely disturbed that there continue to be reports of mobs in the area and that the insecurity in these areas continue, despite the presence of security force personnel. On June 15th<\/sup> there was an incident where a shop was attacked in Dehiwela. There are rumours of tensions and incidents from other areas.<\/p>\n

In such a disturbing context, we call on the Government of Sri Lanka to take immediate and effective action and ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous violence are held to account. The Government has an obligation to protect all citizens of Sri Lanka and end impunity. Given the brazen attacks on the Muslim community, the Government must deploy additional police and other law enforcement authorities, and ensure that they take preventive and responsive action to ensure the safety of communities at risk. We are aware of the authorities having made a number of arrests so far. However, media reports state that many were released within the day. Further, the BBS General Secretary Galagodaaththe Gnanasara is reported to be free to roam about and to incite further hatred and violence, and has not yet been questioned. Unimpeded access should also be granted to food and relief convoys as well as to independent actors and the media to report without hindrance or harm on the situation.<\/p>\n

There are basic protections provided in the Constitution and the legal framework for the safety and security of all citizens. The President, who is also the Minister of Defence, and his brother, the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence<\/span><\/a> and Urban Development, must ensure that law and order is maintained and reassure the citizens of Sri Lanka that appropriate action is being taken to prevent any further violence and that the perpetrators will be held to account, including those who incited and spearheaded the violence. The authorities should also take this opportunity to issue a public apology for failing to protect its citizens against violence.<\/p>\n

We have in recent times seen the selective use of specific laws such as the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to arrest and detain civilians, civil society and media personnel in the name of \u201cnational security\u201d. We have also witnessed the law being used to stop peaceful protests elsewhere in the country. And yet, the police permitted the BBS rally to take place despite the pleas of a number of actors, including politicians within the Government who argued that it would exacerbate tensions. The legal framework outside the PTA can and should be used to deal with situations such as this where there is an egregious violation of the Constitution and laws of the country.<\/p>\n

There is a clear need for an impartial inquiry into the causes for the violence to identify perpetrators of the attacks and the role played by the police and armed forces. It is also paramount that the State fairly compensates those who suffered the loss of family members, and the destruction of and damage to property. We urge the authorities to take specific steps to build the confidence of the Muslim community as equal citizens of Sri Lanka. The recent attacks on Muslim places of worship and businesses are part of a wider trend of violent attacks against Muslims and other religious and ethnic minorities, including the Christian community. Hence, there is a need to address this wider issue of violence against religious minorities. Most urgently, to take preventive action, including deploying adequate security forces in areas where minorities are under threat from further violence.<\/p>\n

More than five years after the end of the war, it is imperative that we explore avenues for coexistence and come together to build a society that cherishes and celebrates its inherent pluralism. Thirty years after the carnage of Black July 1983, this most recent violence is a tragic reminder of how little we as citizenry have learned from the past.<\/p>\n

Finally, this statement expresses solidarity with our fellow citizens, the victims and survivors of the villages of Aluthgama, Beruwala, Dharga Town, Walpitiya and Welipenna. Much needs to be done to address the recent violence and we believe much can be achieved if the Government acts swiftly and decisively to fulfill its fundamental responsibility for protecting all citizens of Sri Lanka and we as Sri Lankans play an active role to renounce the violence and act in solidarity with those under threat.<\/p>\n

Note by the drafters:\u00a0 Subsequent to the compilation of signatures for this statement an incident was reported. Ven. Watareka Vijitha<\/span><\/a> Thero, was found beaten up, with his hands and legs bound<\/span><\/a>, by the side of the Hirana bridge, in Panadura this morning (Thursday 19th). He is currently receiving treatment for his injuries at the National Hospital, Colombo. Ven. Vijtha Thero has been a vocal critic of the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) and an advocate for inter-religious harmony. His outspokenness has resulted in him coming under attack and being subject to serious threats and intimidation allegedly by members of the BBS.<\/b><\/p>\n

Signed by;<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
1. A. Santhiapillai<\/div>\n
2. A.M. Faaiz – Attorney-at-Law & Director, Secretariat for Muslims<\/div>\n
3. Aadhila Kayaam<\/div>\n
4. Affan Ariff<\/div>\n
5. Ahmed Hussain<\/div>\n
6. Ainslie Joseph<\/div>\n
7. Ajit Abeysekera<\/div>\n
8. Ajita Kadirgamar<\/div>\n
9. Ajith C. Herath – Hiru Newspaper<\/div>\n
10. Aman Ashraff<\/div>\n
11. Amana Hussain<\/div>\n
12. Amarnath Amarasingham<\/div>\n
13. Ameena Hussein<\/div>\n
14. Anandha Joseph<\/div>\n
15. Anberiya Hanifa<\/div>\n
16. Angelica Chandrasekeran<\/div>\n
17. Anita Nesiah<\/div>\n
18. Anitha Selvarajah<\/div>\n
19. Ann Jabbar<\/div>\n
20. Annie Kurian \u2013 Director, Centre for Social Concerns<\/div>\n
21. Anukshi Jayasinha<\/div>\n
22. Anushaya Collure<\/div>\n
23. Areeb Ahamed<\/div>\n
24. Arjini Nawal<\/div>\n
25. Asanka Brendon Ratnayake<\/div>\n
26. Asanka Wijesinghe<\/div>\n
27. Asker Khan \u2013 Secretary, Muslim Council of Sri Lanka<\/div>\n
28. Azhar Ahamed<\/div>\n
29. B. Gowthaman \u2013 Attorney-at-Law<\/div>\n
30. B. Skanthakumar<\/div>\n
31. Bhavani Fonseka<\/div>\n
32. Buddhima Padmasiri<\/div>\n
33. C. Colombage<\/div>\n
34. C. Gadiewasam<\/div>\n
35. Caryll Perera<\/div>\n
36. Cayathri Divakalala<\/div>\n
37. Chami Hameed<\/div>\n
38. Chamindry Saparamadu – Attorney-at-Law<\/div>\n
39. Chandani Withana<\/div>\n
40. Chandraguptha Thenuwara<\/div>\n
41. Chandrika B. Kumaratunga – The South Asia Policy & Research Institute<\/div>\n
42. Chandrika Gadiewasam<\/div>\n
43. Chandula Kumbukage<\/div>\n
44. Chantelle Pieris<\/div>\n
45. D.H.S. Maithripala \u2013 Peradeniya<\/div>\n
46. D.N. Ambalavanar – Batticaloa<\/div>\n
47. Deanne Uyangoda<\/div>\n
48. Deborah Philip<\/div>\n
49. Dehini Wiratunga<\/div>\n
50. Dhamsiri Fonseka<\/div>\n
51. Dhanushka Fernando<\/div>\n
52. Dilanda Pelpola<\/div>\n
53. Dinesha Samararatne<\/div>\n
54. Dinidu de Alwis – Editor-in-Chief, The Republic Square<\/div>\n
55. Dinushka Jayawickreme<\/div>\n
56. Dinuwan Senaratne – Network Engineer<\/div>\n
57. Dr. A. Rohan Perera<\/div>\n
58. Dr. Dharmasena Pathiraja<\/div>\n
59. Dr. Fara Haniffa<\/div>\n
60. Dr. Jehan Perera \u2013 National Peace Council (NPC)<\/div>\n
61. Dr. Kumudu Kusum Kumara – University of Colombo<\/div>\n
62. Dr. Michael Roberts<\/div>\n
63. Dr. Pushpa Ramlani Dissanayake<\/div>\n
64. Dr. R. Cheran<\/div>\n
65. Dr. Ramya Kumar<\/div>\n
66. Dr. Ranil D. Guneratne<\/div>\n
67. Dr. Sepali Kottegoda<\/div>\n
68. Dr. Sivamohan Sumathy<\/div>\n
69. Dr. Sunil Wijesiriwardena<\/div>\n
70. Dr. Zulfika Ismail<\/div>\n
71. Dumindu Karunasekera<\/div>\n
72. Elane Savi Wijesekera<\/div>\n
73. Elma Hussain<\/div>\n
74. Emil van der Poorten<\/div>\n
75. Ermiza Tegal – Attorney-at-Law<\/div>\n
76. Esther Surenthiraj<\/div>\n
77. Evangeline S. Ekanayake<\/div>\n
78. F. Solomantine<\/div>\n
79. Faizun Zackariya – Director, Muslim Women’s Research & Action Forum<\/div>\n
80. Falih Caffoor<\/div>\n
81. Farah Hussain<\/div>\n
82. Farha Fathima<\/div>\n
83. Farzana Khan<\/div>\n
84. Fathima Hameed<\/div>\n
85. Fazil Hussain<\/div>\n
86. Fazlur Muzammil<\/div>\n
87. Freddy Gamage – Center for People’s Dialogue<\/div>\n
88. Gajen Mahendra<\/div>\n
89. Gamini Akmeemana<\/div>\n
90. Gehan Gunatilleke<\/div>\n
91. Githanjali Algama<\/div>\n
92. Hans Billimoria<\/div>\n
93. Hans Gray<\/div>\n
94. Harean Hettiarachchi<\/div>\n
95. Hasangi Nandasena<\/div>\n
96. Hilmy Ahamed<\/div>\n
97. Ian Ferdinands<\/div>\n
98. Ikram Yakeem<\/div>\n
99. Iromi Perera<\/div>\n
100. Izhara Huzair<\/div>\n
101. Jake Oorloff<\/div>\n
102. Janaki Galappatti<\/div>\n
103. Janakie Seneviratne<\/div>\n
104. Jayanta de S. Wijeratne \u2013 Negombo<\/div>\n
105. Jayantha Dhanapala<\/div>\n
106. Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala<\/div>\n
107. Jayasingam T. \u2013 National Peace Council (NPC)<\/div>\n
108. Jeanne Samuel<\/div>\n
109. Jehanki Anandha<\/div>\n
110. Jezima Hussain<\/div>\n
111. Joe William<\/div>\n
112. Jothie Rajah – Research Professor, American Bar Foundation<\/div>\n
113. Jovita Arulanantham<\/div>\n
114. Juanita Arulanantham<\/div>\n
115. Juweriya Mohideen – Women Action Network (WAN)<\/div>\n
116. K. Wettasinghe<\/div>\n
117. K. J. Brito Fernando – Families of the Disappeared<\/div>\n
118. Karin Fernando<\/div>\n
119. Kaushalya Perera – University of Kelaniya<\/div>\n
120. Kiruthika Thurairajah<\/div>\n
121. Krishna Velupillai<\/div>\n
122. Kuhanithy Gunachandran<\/div>\n
123. Kumaran Nadesan<\/div>\n
124. Kumari Kumaragamage<\/div>\n
125. Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha<\/div>\n
126. Leana Pieris<\/div>\n
127. Leila Udayar<\/div>\n
128. Lihini Fernando<\/div>\n
129. Lionel Bopage<\/div>\n
130. Luwie N. Ganeshathasan – Attorney-at-Law<\/div>\n
131. M. Mohammed Rifaadh<\/div>\n
132. M.A. Sumanthiran \u2013 Attorney-at-Law<\/div>\n
133. M.H.M. Ajmeer<\/div>\n
134. M.L. Weeraman<\/div>\n
135. M.R. Rahman<\/div>\n
136. Mahaluxmy Kurushanthan<\/div>\n
137. Mahendran Thiruvarangan<\/div>\n
138. Mahiya Abdul Rafeek<\/div>\n
139. Marina Thowfeek<\/div>\n
140. Mario Gomez \u2013 International Centre for Ethnic Studies (ICES)<\/div>\n
141. Marisa de Silva<\/div>\n
142. Mariyahl Hoole<\/div>\n
143. Mayani Weeraman<\/div>\n
144. Mehdi Shahriar<\/div>\n
145. Melisha Yapa<\/div>\n
146. Minoli Wijetunga<\/div>\n
147. Mirak Raheem<\/div>\n
148. Miyuru Gunasinghe – Independent Consultant<\/div>\n
149. Mohamed Hisham<\/div>\n
150. Muhammad Siddeeq<\/div>\n
151. Mujeebur Rahman<\/div>\n
152. Munza Mushtaq<\/div>\n
153. Muttukrishna Sarvananthan – Point Pedro Institute of<\/div>\n
Development, Point Pedro<\/div>\n
154. N.K. Ashokbharan<\/div>\n
155. N.P.M. Woleedh<\/div>\n
156. Nadia Izzy<\/div>\n
157. Nadishka Aloysius<\/div>\n
158. Nagulan Nesiah<\/div>\n
159. Naloofa Kayaam<\/div>\n
160. Naveed Kayaam<\/div>\n
161. Nazly Kabir<\/div>\n
162. Nicola Perera<\/div>\n
163. Nigel V. Nugawela<\/div>\n
164. Nilantha Ilangamuwa – Journalist<\/div>\n
165. Nilshan Fonseka<\/div>\n
166. Nimalka Fernando – Women’s Political Academy<\/div>\n
167. Nimanthi Rajasingham<\/div>\n
168. Ninel Fernando<\/div>\n
169. Nissanka De Mel<\/div>\n
170. Niyanthini Kadirgamar<\/div>\n
171. Nizreena Ismail<\/div>\n
172. Nusthar Mohamed<\/div>\n
173. Omar Kayaam<\/div>\n
174. P. Selvaratnam<\/div>\n
175. P.N. Singham<\/div>\n
176. Paba Deshapriya<\/div>\n
177. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu \u2013 Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA)<\/div>\n
178. Parveen Muhammed<\/div>\n
179. Peter Rezel<\/div>\n
180. Philip Disanayake – Right to Life Human Rights Center<\/div>\n
181. Philip Setunga<\/div>\n
182. Prabu Deepan<\/div>\n
183. Pradeepan Raveendran<\/div>\n
184. Prashanth Kuganathan – Teacher’s College, Columbia University<\/div>\n
185. Prathiba Perera<\/div>\n
186. Prianil Abeynaike<\/div>\n
187. Priya Thangarajah<\/div>\n
188. Priyanthi Fernando<\/div>\n
189. Prof. (Emeritus) N. Shanmugaratnam<\/div>\n
190. Prof. A.M. Navaratna Bandara – University of Peradeniya<\/div>\n
191. Prof. Fiona Kumari Campbell<\/div>\n
192. Prof. Harendra de Silva<\/div>\n
193. Prof. Jayantha Seneviratne – University of Kelaniya<\/div>\n
194. Prof. Maithree Wickramasinghe<\/div>\n
195. Prof. Priyan Dias – University of Moratuwa<\/div>\n
196. R.M.B. Senanayake<\/div>\n
197. Rabiya Faizal<\/div>\n
198. Rajah Perera<\/div>\n
199. Rajani Chandrasegaram<\/div>\n
200. Ramani Kadirgamar Muttulingasamy<\/div>\n
201. Ranjit Galappatti<\/div>\n
202. Rashmini de Silva<\/div>\n
203. Rasika Deepani<\/div>\n
204. Rathika Innasimuttu – The Social Architects<\/div>\n
205. Raya Hussain<\/div>\n
206. Razeen Deen<\/div>\n
207. Regina Ramalingam<\/div>\n
208. Rev. Fr. Jeyabalan Croos<\/div>\n
209. Rev. Fr. Nandana Manatunga<\/div>\n
210. Rev. Fr. Rohan Dominic<\/div>\n
211. Rev. Fr. S.V.B. Mangalarajah \u2013 Jaffna<\/div>\n
212. Rev. Fr. Sarath Iddamalgoda<\/div>\n
213. Rev. Jason J. Selvaraja \u2013 Senior Pastor, Assembly of God,<\/div>\n
Chavakachcheri<\/div>\n
214. Rev. Sr. Deepa Fernando<\/div>\n
215. Rev. Sr. Noel Christine Fernando<\/div>\n
216. Rev. Sr. R. Fernando<\/div>\n
217. Rikaz Hussain<\/div>\n
218. Rikaza Laffir<\/div>\n
219. Riza Yehiya – Architect & Sustainability Consultant<\/div>\n
220. Rohini Weerasinghe<\/div>\n
221. Romesh Hettiarachchi<\/div>\n
222. Ronnie Yogarajah<\/div>\n
223. Roshni de Fonseka<\/div>\n
224. Rossana Favero-Karunaratna<\/div>\n
225. Ruhanie Perera<\/div>\n
226. Ruki Fernando<\/div>\n
227. Rukkaiya Hussain<\/div>\n
228. Rushdi Zackariya<\/div>\n
229. Ruwanthie de Chickera<\/div>\n
230. S. Nanthikesan<\/div>\n
231. S. Ratnajeevan H. Hoole<\/div>\n
232. S. Samaraarachchi<\/div>\n
233. S. Wijesundara<\/div>\n
234. S.C.C. Elankovan – Program Officer, ZOA Sri Lanka<\/div>\n
235. Saadiqa Fauz<\/div>\n
236. Sachini Perera – Asian-Pacific Resource & Research Centre for<\/div>\n
Women<\/div>\n
237. Sampath Samarakoon \u2013 Editor, Vikalpa<\/div>\n
238. Samudrika Sylva<\/div>\n
239. Sanjana Hattotuwa – Editor, Groundviews<\/div>\n
240. Sanje Wignaraja<\/div>\n
241. Sanjeev Visvanathan<\/div>\n
242. Sarah Kabir<\/div>\n
243. Sarala Emmanuel \u2013 Batticaloa<\/div>\n
244. Sarath Ratwatte<\/div>\n
245. Saroja Sivachandran<\/div>\n
246. Sashie Peiris<\/div>\n
247. Sena Weeraman<\/div>\n
248. Senaka Weeraman<\/div>\n
249. Shantha D. Pathirana – Human Rights Defender<\/div>\n
250. Shanthi Dias<\/div>\n
251. Sharmini Boyle<\/div>\n
252. Sharmini Ratwatte<\/div>\n
253. Shaza Wickramarathne<\/div>\n
254. Shehan de Alwis<\/div>\n
255. Shifan Ahmed<\/div>\n
256. Shihan Shamsudeen<\/div>\n
257. Shreen Saroor – Women Action Network (WAN)<\/div>\n
258. Shuaib Samad Ali<\/div>\n
259. Shyara Jaleel Khan<\/div>\n
260. Silma Ahamed<\/div>\n
261. Silma Mohideen Ahamed<\/div>\n
262. Sitralega Maunaguru<\/div>\n
263. Sohan Fernando<\/div>\n
264. Srinath Perera – Attorney-at-Law<\/div>\n
265. Steve de la Zilwa<\/div>\n
266. Suba Sivakumaran<\/div>\n
267. Subky Hussain<\/div>\n
268. Sumanasiri Liyanage<\/div>\n
269. Sunanda Deshapriya<\/div>\n
270. Sundaram Divakalala<\/div>\n
271. Sunela Jayewardene<\/div>\n
272. Sunethra Bandaranaike<\/div>\n
273. Sunila Mendis<\/div>\n
274. Supoorna Kulatunga<\/div>\n
275. Suren D. Perera \u2013 Attorney-at-Law<\/div>\n
276. Suren Fernando<\/div>\n
277. Suren Watson<\/div>\n
278. Tanuja Thurairajah<\/div>\n
279. Tanya Ferdinandusz<\/div>\n
280. Thaha Muzammil<\/div>\n
281. Thiruni Kelegama<\/div>\n
282. Thyagi Ruwanpathirana<\/div>\n
283. Tisaranee Gunasekara<\/div>\n
284. Tony Angie<\/div>\n
285. Tony Senewiratne<\/div>\n
286. U.L. Jaufer<\/div>\n
287. Udaya Kalupathirana – INFORM Human Rights Documentation<\/div>\n
Centre<\/div>\n
288. Upeka De Silva<\/div>\n
289. V.V. Ganeshananthan – Lanka Solidarity<\/div>\n
290. Vagisha Gunasekara<\/div>\n
291. Vasuki Nesiah – Assoc. Prof. of Practice, New York University<\/div>\n
292. Vino Wijeratne<\/div>\n
293. Viran Corea<\/div>\n
294. Viranthi Kumarage<\/div>\n
295. Visaka Dharmadasa – Association of War Affected Women<\/div>\n
296. Vrinda Choraria<\/div>\n
297. YaliniDream<\/div>\n
298. Yasantha Gunawardena<\/div>\n
299. Yazmin Woleedh<\/div>\n
300. Yazmin Yousuf<\/div>\n
301. Zairina Ariff<\/div>\n
302. Zara Hussain<\/div>\n
303. Ziyada Hassian Ali<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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