U.S.Commission on International Religious Freedom encouraged by new G ment actions

Eric P Schwartz, Commissioner of the U.S.Commission on International Religious Freedom who visited Sri Lanka this week said he is encouraged by the steps taken by the Government to promote national unity and religious freedom. Mr. Schwartz who met a group of journalists at the conclusion of this three day visit on Tuesdaysaid    he had met with Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapaksa, Minister of Buddha Sasana Karu Jayasuirya, Minister of Muslim Religious Affairs Halim Mohamed as well as representatives   from diverse religion communities during his stay. “We are encouraged by the statements made by officials we met. In particular we welcome comments in support of national reconciliation among Sri Lankan s religious and ethnic communities,” he said. He added that the new government’s engagement with religious minorities is an important step forward in efforts to promote national unity and increased space for all religious groups. Mr. Schwartz said he would encourage the Government to hold perpetrators of crimes against minority religious communities accountable. “We leave Sri Lanka with a sense of great encouragement and look forward to further progress on these critical issues,” he added.