US raises concerns over attacks on religious places

The United States (US) raised concerns over the recent attacks on religious places particularly mosques and Muslim owned business in the country. Participating at Iftar Event organized by US embassy in Batticaloa Ambassador Atul Keshap said that attacks against religious places of worship are reprehensible, whether here in Sri Lanka, or in the United States of America, or anywhere around the world.

"Despite the recent spate of attacks on mosques and Muslim-owned businesses, I applaud that the Sri Lankan Muslim community has remained peaceful, constructive, and resilient.  In particular, I and so many others saw how the Muslim community of Sri Lanka joined together to help the people of this country after the recent floods that affected so many of your fellow citizens," he said.

Ambassador Keshap said he believes that those who spread hatred offend not just the good nature of human beings, but violate the human rights that we all should enjoy.  "To preserve rule of law, to preserve harmony, religious freedom, and tolerance and mutual respect, it is imperative that anybody engaging in such acts of violence should be arrested and brought to trial,"

He also highlighted U.S. Embassy’s relationship with the Muslim community in Sri Lanka, especially in the Eastern Province, spans many decades. With  the implementation of USAID (United States Agency for International Development), it helped to bring clean drinking water and better sanitation and health facilities to the people of the East.  The United States has also contributed more than 8 billion rupees to demining efforts across the country.