Muslim Council meets GL; raises objections on Geneva statement, continuing hate speech by BBS
Monday, 14 July 2014 01:50
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The Minister of External Affairs G.L. Peiris invited the Muslim Council of Sri Lanka (MCSL) to discuss the statement made by the Deputy Permanent Representative to the Sri Lankan Mission in Geneva, Manisha Gunasekera to the UNHCR regarding the Aluthgama incident.
The meeting, requested by MCSL took place on 7 July 2014 at the Ministry of External Affairs. Ministry of External Affairs Secretary Shenuka Seneviratne, MCSL President N.M. Ameen and other senior members of MCSL took part in the discussions.
Minster Peiris while stating that the Aluthgama incident was unfortunate insisted that vested interests are trying to blow it out of proportion.
He also explained the Government’s version of the incident and assured the Muslim Council that incidents of such nature will not be allowed to be repeated.
He stressed the need to work together as Sri Lankans while explaining the danger of internationalising the incident that could have similar repercussions as that of the Tamil people and TNA who sought to internationalise their cause.
The MCSL stressed that the Muslim Community had continued to show restraint amidst unprecedented provocations by extremist Buddhist groups during the last two years.
While appreciating the assurances made by the Minister, the MCSL explained their concerns, one of which was that the Muslim Community who were the victims have been faulted by the statement made in Genève by the Deputy Permanent Representative, Manisha Gunasekera as the instigators of the violence when video evidence conflicted with the Government’s Genève version.
MCSL also pointed out that the statement made in Genève had missed out on a golden opportunity for the Government to ensure the International Community that Sri Lanka respected the rights of all minorities and will protect all its citizens irrespective of religious, ethnic or cultural differences. This could have made a huge impact on the processes that are being moved to conduct an international inquiry on the last days of the Eelam war in 2009 and violations of human rights including war crimes by both the Government and LTTE.
The MCSL also raised its strong objections on the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) being allowed to continue its hate speech especially targeting the Muslim community with impunity even after the unfortunate incidents in Aluthgama and Beruwela.
The MCSL further voiced their dismay at the lack of law and order in the country, allowing the organisations such as BBS and other Buddhist extremist groups to continue attacking places of worship and businesses belonging to minority communities without fear of any repercussions. It was of the view that addressing the threat of BBS and other similar organisations was fundamental to peaceful coexistence in Sri Lanka.
The MCSL also agreed to address certain issues within the Muslim community that were of concern to the majority community and ensure peaceful coexistence. The MCSL committed to extend its fullest support to the Government in promoting harmony among all communities.
