Speaker assures Sri Lanka will rise as united nation in combating extremism

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, this week, told Ambassadors of 17 Islamic countries that Sri Lanka will combat extremism and emerge as a united nation.

“Just as Sri Lanka neutralised terrorism and ensured security in a short time, the country will shun extremism and emerge as a strong, unified nation,” the Speaker told the concerned envoys who met the Speaker on Tuesday at the parliamentary complex.

Speaker Jayasuriya told the Ambassadors that Parliament Oversight Committees in coordination with relevant Ministries are formulating laws to prevent terrorism and the extremism that nourishes the terrorist activities.

“I believe that will build foundation to live as a unified Sri Lanka, in one country under one law,” the Speaker said.

The Speaker gratefully recalled the support and guidance received from Islamic leaders as well as the majority of Muslim people to take action against extremist acts such as child marriages, polygamy and identity-concealing attire and educational institutions that promote extremism in the guise of religion. Ambassadors of Islamic countries also said they undoubtedly acknowledge the need for a common law despite the existence of various ethnic and religious communities in the country.

The Ambassadors also pointed out the need to take madrasas and religious education institutes under the supervision of the Government.

They also stressed the importance of controlling hate speech and spreading of hateful idealogies through social media.

The meeting was attended by Ambassadors representing Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.