(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) – The European Union (EU) today raised concerns over the recent incidents of communal violence that have occurred following the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks.
The EU, in a statement, also welcomed the arrests made in connection with the violence, and called on the Government to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that the law is applied equally to all instigators and perpetrators of communal violence.
The Delegation of the European Union in Colombo issued the statement in agreement with the Embassies of France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Romania and the UK High Commission, as well as the Embassies of Norway and Switzerland.
“Many European countries have experienced terror attacks and hate crimes in recent years. We understand the toll it takes on communities and the possible long-term repercussions such incidents could have on a country’s social fabric,” the statement said.
The EU noted that clear leadership as well as the wholesale rejection of hate and violence are of paramount importance, and they encouraged the Government to take all appropriate measures to reassure all citizens that it will protect and uphold their safety and their rights.
“We call on political, religious and other community leaders to continue to speak out against violence and all those inciting unrest and distrust and to make every effort to promote understanding and harmony between communities,” the EU said.
The EU also noted the responsibility of the media and the country’s citizens in ensuring that misinformation does not spread and lead to more incidents of violence.
