Sinhalese and Muslim enjoyed harmonious relations from ancient times: Amunugama

Appealing to the conscience of the nation, Ministers of the Yahapalana Government this week urged all people to remain calm and treat others with compassion. 

As the Military and law enforcement authorities grappled with escalating violence against the Muslim community in Kandy District, Government Ministers from both Sri Lanka Freedom Party and United National Party made a collective effort to bring harmony.

Drawing from history books, Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama spoke of the good relations Sinhalese and Muslims have enjoyed from the days of Sinhala Kings. 

“Muslim community came as traders, they were given land to settle and they were among some of the most trusted people of the kings. We have always enjoyed friendly relations. I urge you to ask from your conscience, will you hold an entire community responsible for something a single person did,” Amunugama questioned during the live telecast of the special Government media briefing. 

Paying tribute to the contribution to win the civil war by members of the Muslim community in intelligence units, Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne said that many who are causing havoc in the streets would not be able to walk free if not for them. 

“We are alive today thanks to the Muslim members of the intelligence units who risked their lives to get information. They spoke the language and were able to help us tremendously in operations. They have protected the nations as much as all the others in the forces, none of those who are causing violence today have given this to the country,” he said.