Club de Madrid calls on Lanka to formally condemn hate speech and religious violence
Saturday, 5 July 2014 02:01
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Pro democracy grouping of ex world leaders including CBK responds to Aluthgama riots
Group says calls for restraint and regret not sufficient from Government
Calls for action against perpetrators of violence
The Government of Sri Lanka must formally, unequivocally state its condemnation of those who use language that incites violence against people on account of their religion, the world’s largest forum of former Heads of State and Government, Club de Madrid said this week.
“We welcome the calls for restraint and regret that have been made by leaders from all communities but this is not sufficient at a time of heightened fear and tension,” the group said in a statement on its official website.
In a reaction to the anti-Muslim violence in Aluthgama and Beruwela on 15 June, the pro-democracy and good governance grouping, of which former President Chandrika Kumaratunga is a member, said the climate required a formal statement from the Government condemning hate speech and acts perpetrated against individuals and communities on account of their religion.
“It requires resolute action to restore order and protect lives and property,” Club de Madrid listed in its statement.
The Group said the situation also required a clear commitment to apprehend and hold accountable both the instigators and perpetrators of violence. “Sadly we believe that this has not happened following previous violent episodes and therefore there is a greater onus on the Government to demonstrate its commitment to firm action on this occasion,” the statement continued.
Club de Madrid called for greater efforts to build positive relationships and understanding between the difference faith communities living Sri Lanka – at all levels from religious leaders to disaffected youth who are too easily drawn into violence.
“We know that there are many people in Sri Lanka working to build positive inter-community relations and to restore Sri Lanka to its place as a jewel in the Indian Ocean. We call on all leaders to demonstrate their commitment to support these efforts,” the Group said in its statement. (DB)
