Lankan expats in Australia condemn communal clashes

Sri Lankan expats in Australia issued the following statement recently, condemning the communal clashes which took place in Kandy recently:

“We note with concern the recent disturbances in Sri Lanka which led to killings and arson in several cities. Given the history of similar incidents that have taken place in Sri Lanka during past few decades it is disheartening to observe that lessons have not been learnt. The politicians of all parties, religious clergy, Police and even civil society have failed.

“As expatriate Sri Lankans living in Sydney, Australia, we looked at the early progress of Sri Lanka with pride and hope for its future. We followed the positive signals of the early years and emulated them in our country of residence. 

“We are sad and unable to follow and emulate what is happening in our country of birth anymore. With this statement and accompanying picture we hope the message we convey is taken positively and all Sri Lankans will follow our example for a common Sri Lankan identity,” the statement said.

It was signed by Sri Lanka Association of NSW President Sam Massachi, Rafi Mubarak – Austra-Lanka Muslim Association, Chandrani Buddhipala – Sinhalese Cultural Forum, A. Sivathondan – Tamil Seniors’ Association, and Dr. Ahmed Veerabangsa – Sri Lanka Malay Association.