Sajith calls for end to discriminatory, prejudicial manner in conducting last rites

• Takes to Twitter to call out racist acts perpetrated against Muslims
• Says every human being must be treated equally
• Says such heinous acts contrary to noble teachings of Lord Buddha

Samagi Jana Balaya (SJB) Leader and former Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa took to Twitter yesterday to call for an end to the discriminatory and prejudicial manner in which last rites of people are being carried out and condemned the racist attacks on members of the Muslim community.

“When one loses their loved ones, that is the time of greatest sadness for anyone. At this time of grief and sorrow, it is incumbent upon all of us to allow the last rites to be carried out in a non-discriminatory, non-prejudicial manner. Every human being has to be treated equal. If we cannot uphold such moral and ethical values that are essential to a humane society, we are a failed state due to racism, inherent ethnic and religious bias, and marginalisation,” Premadasa said.

He also said that “the prevalence of racist acts perpetrated against our Muslim brethren is abhorrent and should be confronted by all.”

“Such heinous acts are contrary to the noble teachings of Lord Buddha. Any attempts to misinterpret such blessed principles are treacherous and unpatriotic. Incipient racism in our society has exacerbated ethnic religious social divisions amongst people in our motherland. This is detrimental and inimical to our country’s national interest. It is contrary to the principles of humanism and humanitarianism,” he added.