Canada deeply concerned by violence in Sri Lanka

Canada has expressed concern over the recent communal clashes between the Sinhala majority and Muslim minority in Sri Lanka and urged all sides to engage in dialogue to ensure peace and stability.

Issuing a statement Wednesday on the state of emergency declared in Sri Lanka following unrest between religious communities, Canada’s, Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland said Canada was deeply concerned by recent inter-communal violence in Sri Lanka, in which Muslims were targeted.

“Canada urges all sides to engage in inclusive dialogue and exercise restraint to ensure peace and stability. We call for an immediate end to hate and misinformation campaigns inciting sectarian violence.

“Canada welcomes the Government of Sri Lanka’s condemnation of the violent acts. Canada calls on the government to ensure the safety and security of all minorities, to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms for all and to hold those responsible for the violence accountable. As we said at the United Nations Human Rights Council last month, frustrations persist among those trying to heal the wounds of Sri Lanka’s civil war. Ensuring that diversity and pluralism are valued is critical to the work of reconciliation in Sri Lanka,” the statement said.