University academics appeal for commitment to peace and solidarity on 1st anniversary of Easter bombings

A few weeks from now, 21 April, will mark a year since the horrific bombings last Easter Sunday. For all who lost friends and family and for those whose lives were shattered as a result of such senseless violence, it will be a time of sorrow. It is for all of us a time of solemn remembrance.

Easter Sunday last year was the beginning of a dark time in our country’s history. We were left with little space to even comprehend the tragedy that had just happened.  In the aftermath of the bombings, many Muslims who were in no way associated with the attacks were victimised. Highly-inflammatory rhetoric, left unchecked, led in the end to violent episodes of rioting and caused our communities to be further traumatised. 

Sri Lanka is no stranger to tragedy. The war years saw tragedy after tragedy occurring amongst us, and deep-seated animosities tore us apart, ethnically and socially, from which we are still unable to recover. We have also experienced the consequences of divisive rhetoric. 

The riots post-bombings were not an isolated instance as we have seen arbitrary acts of collective violence against Muslims in recent times, even before 21 April. It is now time for us to come together to anticipate and stop these cycles of violence. We believe that the political leadership of this country can play a significant role in doing so.

This is an urgent appeal to the President and all our politicians, both in the Government and in the Opposition, to make a renewed commitment not to use rhetoric that is divisive and incendiary.

We and particularly those directly affected must grieve, heal and mourn in solidarity and togetherness. We look to the President of our country and other leaders to ensure a sense of safety and peace for all, so that we may properly mourn the tragedy that befell our country a year ago. 

Signed

Dr. Ahilan Kadirgamar, University of Jaffna

Dr. Anuruddha Karunarathna, University of Peradeniya

Prof. Arjuna Parakrama, University of Peradeniya

Prof. Camena Guneratne, Open University of Sri Lank

Prof. Carmen Wickramagamage, University of Peradeniya

Dr. Charmalie Abayasekara, University of Peradeniya 

Prof. Dileni Gunewardena, University of Peradeniya

Dr. Dilini Hemachandra, University of Peradeniya

Dr. Farzana Haniffa, University of Colombo

Dr. Fazeeha Azmi, University of Peradeniya

Prof. Gameela Samarasinghe, University of Colombo

Prof. Gamini Keerawella, Professor Emeritus, University of Peradeniya

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Open University of Sri Lanka

Prof. Harshana Rambukwella, Open University of Sri Lanka

Janaha Selvaras, Open University of Sri Lanka

Judith Gunawardena, University of Peradeniya

Prof. K. D. Pathirana, University of Ruhuna

Prof. K. K. I. U. Arunakumara, University of Ruhuna

Prof. Emer. Kalinga Tudor Silva, University of Peradeniya

Prof. Emer. Kamala Liyanage, University of Peradeniya

Kanchuka Dharmasiri, University of Peradeniya

Kasun Gajasinghe, University of Peradeniya

Kirupa Hoole, University of Jaffna

M. Kodithuwakku, Open University of Sri Lanka

Dr. M. A. Nuhman Retired, University of Peradeniya

Dr. M.Z.M Nafeel, University of Peradeniya

Dr. Mahim Mendis, Open University of Sri Lanka

Mahishi Ranaweera, University of Kelaniya

Prof. Maithree Wickramasinghe, University of Kelaniya

Dr. M.Z.M Nafeel, University of Peradeniya

Nichola Perera, University of Colombo

Prof. Emer. Nimal Savitri Kumar, University of Peradeniya

Nishani Jayaweera, University of Peradeniya

Dr. Noeline Prins, University of Ruhuna

Prof. Pavithra Kailasapathy, University of Colombo

Dr. Prabha Manuratne, University of Kelaniya

Dr. Pradeepa Malkanthi, University of Peradeniya

Priyantha Fonseka, University of Peradeniya

Prof. Priyan Dias, University of Moratuwa.

Dr. Rajan Hoole, University of Jaffna, Retired

Dr. Ramesh Ramasamy, University of Peradeniya

Dr. Ramila Usoof, University of Peradeniya

Dr. Ramya Kumar, University of Jaffna

Dr. Ranil Abayasekara, University of Peradeniya

Dr. Ranil D. Guneratne, SLINTEC Academy

Prof. Ranjini Obeyesekere, formerly University of Peradeniya

Dr. Ranga Kalugampitiya, University of Peradeniya

Prof. Rohan Fernando, Open University of Sri Lanka

Dr. Romola Rassool, University of Kelaniya

Dr. Ruvan Weerasinghe, University of Colombo

Sabreena Niles, University of Kelaniya

Prof. Saumya Liyanage, University of Visual and Performing Arts, Colombo

Prof. Emer. Savitri Goonesekere, University of Colombo

Dr. Shamala Kumar, University of Peradeniya

Shani Anuradha, University of Peradeniya

Prof. Shyama Banneheka, University of Peradeniya

Dr. Shyamani Hettiarachchi, University of Kelaniya

Dr. Sudesh Mantillake, University of Peradeniya

Prof. Sumathy Sivamohan, University of Peradeniya

Dr. Sunanda Premasiri, University of Peradeniya

Dr. Suresh de Mel, University of Peradeniya

Prof. Swarna Wimalasiri, University of Peradeniya

Tara Senanayake, University of Peradeniya

Dr. Mahendran Thiruvarangan, University of Jaffna

Prof. Upul Abeyratne, University of Peradeniya

Prof. Emer. Vasanthi Thevanesam, University of Peradeniya

Prof. Emer. Vijaya Kumar, University of Peradeniya

Viraji Jayaweera, University of Peradeniya

Dr. Vivimarie VanderPoorten Medawattegedera, Open University of Sri Lanka

Prof. Wasantha Liyanage, University of Peradeniya

Dr. Wijaya Jayathilaka, University of Peradeniya, Retired

W.M. Rohan Laksiri, University of Ruhuna