In an unprecedented move 19 Canadian Sri Lankan groups representing a cross section of ethnic backgrounds have condemned recent ethnic violence in Southern Sri Lankan towns.
“While international and local journalists continue to report on the situation, the Government of Sri Lanka is yet to make any official statement,” said the joint statement from the groups representing various Lankan communities in Canada.
“As concerned organizations in various diaspora communities from Sri Lanka, we strongly and unreservedly condemn the anti-Muslim riots in Aluthgama, Beruwala and Welipenna as well as the ongoing religious extremism and ethnic discrimination in Sri Lanka,” added the joint statement from organizations.
Meanwhile the Canadian government urged Sri Lanka to act swiftly to protect minorities.
“This is one of a number of recent and troubling attacks targeting the Muslim community in Sri Lanka. It is of the utmost importance that every person is able to practise his or her faith free from the threat of violence. We urge Sri Lankan authorities to act quickly to ensure the safety of all communities. These attacks are completely unacceptable and a clear violation of the right to religious freedom,” Andrew Bennett, Canada’s Ambassador for Religious Freedom said.
List of groups who co-signed joint statement:
Canada Sri Lanka Muslim Association of Ontario
Centennial College Sri Lankan Students Alliance
Humber College Sri Lankan Students Alliance
Lanka Solidarity
Manitoba Sri Lankan Students Alumni Alliance
University of Toronto at St. George Tamil Students Association
Mohawk College Sri Lankan Students Alliance
Montreal Sri Lankan Students Alumni Alliance
Sailan Muslim Foundation
Seneca College Sri Lankan Students Alliance
Sheridan College Sri Lankan Students Alliance
Society for the Aid of Ceylon Minorities
Sri Lanka Unites – Canada
Sri Lankans Without Borders
Tamil Resource Centre
Toronto Sri Lankan Students Alumni Alliance
University of Ontario Institute of Technology Sri Lankan Students Alliance
University of Toronto at Scarborough Sri Lankan Students Alliance
University of Windsor Sri Lankan Students Alliance
