Attacks on Muslim mosques and businesses a conspiracy against Government: Minister

The attacks on Muslim places of worship and businesses are a conspiracy against the Government, a Sri Lankan Minister says.

Muslims in Sri Lanka say that there have been intensified attacks in recent days in various parts of the country aimed at mosques and places of business. They say that since last April there have been at least 15 such attacks in various parts of the country.

Minister of National Co-existence Dialogue and Official Languages Mano Ganesan says a conspiracy against the Government is being launched with the backing of a number of organisations

“There is an attempt to instigate racism, extremism and religious fanaticism targeting Muslims and to create divisions in the country,” Minister Ganesan told the BBC Sinhala service.

He said it is the responsibility of the Government to take stern action against such attempts.

The Minister says the series of attacks on Muslims is an effort to prevent the Muslim community from supporting the Government at a future election. He said the attacks are an attempt to raise discontent against the Government.

According to information gathered by human rights lawyer Shiraz Noordeen, there have been 15 targeted attacks on Muslims since 16 April. So far no one has been arrested in connection with any attack.

The US and the UK, condemning the attacks on mosques in Sri Lanka, have asked the Government to take immediate measures to arrest the culprits and end the targeted attacks.