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Message: <blockquote data-quote="-Reps" data-source="post: 16800739" data-attributes="member: 478225">Sri Lankan Government: Take Urgent Action to Stop Attacks on MuslimsWe the undersigned Sri Lankans strongly condemn the Bodu Bala Sena’s (BBS) highly inflammatory hate speech against, and brazen physical attacks on the Muslim community in Aluthgama, Beruwala, Welipenna and Dharga-Town in June 2014. We believe that the violence is directly linked to recent statements by the BBS targeting Muslims. We call upon the authorities to immediately conduct independent investigations into the incidents, and hold to account perpetrators and those complicit in such acts. We believe inflammatory statements made by the General Secretary of the BBS, Galagodathera Gnanasara, clearly demonstrates his pivotal role and responsibility for the violence. We therefore call upon the authorities to take immediate steps to arrest and charge him for the deaths and destruction in the area.At the time of issuing this statement, reliable sources who have access to the area during the last few days confirm the devastation and destruction in the region, including the killing of at least three people, with unconfirmed reports that this figure maybe higher, and injuries to around 80 people. In addition, mosques have been attacked and vandalized, and many Muslim-owned houses and businesses in the area damaged and destroyed. Despite curfew being imposed in the area, the violence and the gathering of mobs continued with the inability or unwillingness of the security forces to control them. Many innocent men, women and children continue to live in fear of further attacks. We are extremely disturbed that there continue to be reports of mobs in the area and that the insecurity in these areas continue, despite the presence of security force personnel. On June 15th there was an incident where a shop was attacked in Dehiwela. There are rumours of tensions and incidents from other areas.In such a disturbing context, we call on the Government of Sri Lanka to take immediate and effective action and ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous violence are held to account. The Government has an obligation to protect all citizens of Sri Lanka and end impunity. Given the brazen attacks on the Muslim community, the Government must deploy additional police and other law enforcement authorities, and ensure that they take preventive and responsive action to ensure the safety of communities at risk. We are aware of the authorities having made a number of arrests so far. However, media reports state that many were released within the day. Further, the BBS General Secretary Galagodaaththe Gnanasara is reported to be free to roam about and to incite further hatred and violence, and has not yet been questioned. Unimpeded access should also be granted to food and relief convoys as well as to independent actors and the media to report without hindrance or harm on the situation.There are basic protections provided in the Constitution and the legal framework for the safety and security of all citizens. The President, who is also the Minister of Defence, and his brother, the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development, must ensure that law and order is maintained and reassure thepage1image26744citizens of Sri Lanka that appropriate action is being taken to prevent any further violence and that the perpetrators will be held to account, including those who incited and spearheaded the violence. The authorities should also take this opportunity to issue a public apology for failing to protect its citizens against violence.We have in recent times seen the selective use of specific laws such as the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to arrest and detain civilians, civil society and media personnel in the name of “national security”. We have also witnessed the law being used to stop peaceful protests elsewhere in the country. And yet, the police permitted the BBS rally to take place despite the pleas of a number of actors, including politicians within the Government who argued that it would exacerbate tensions. The legal framework outside the PTA can and should be used to deal with situations such as this where there is an egregious violation of the Constitution and laws of the country.There is a clear need for an impartial inquiry into the causes for the violence to identify perpetrators of the attacks and the role played by the police and armed forces. It is also paramount that the State fairly compensates those who suffered the loss of family members, and the destruction of and damage to property. We urge the authorities to take specific steps to build the confidence of the Muslim community as equal citizens of Sri Lanka. The recent attacks on Muslim places of worship and businesses are part of a wider trend of violent attacks against Muslims and other religious and ethnic minorities, including the Christian community. Hence, there is a need to address this wider issue of violence against religious minorities. Most urgently, to take preventive action, including deploying adequate security forces in areas where minorities are under threat from further violence.More than five years after the end of the war, it is imperative that we explore avenues for coexistence and come together to build a society that cherishes and celebrates its inherent pluralism. Thirty years after the carnage of Black July 1983, this most recent violence is a tragic reminder of how little we as citizenry have learned from the past.Finally, this statement expresses solidarity with our fellow citizens, the victims and survivors of the villages of Aluthgama, Beruwala, Dharga Town, Walpitiya and Welipenna. Much needs to be done to address the recent violence and we believe much can be achieved if the Government acts swiftly and decisively to fulfill its fundamental responsibility for protecting all citizens of Sri Lanka and we as Sri Lankans play an active role to renounce the violence and act in solidarity with those under threat.Note by the drafters: Subsequent to the compilation of signatures for this statement an incident was reported. Ven. Watareka Vijitha Thero, was found beaten up, with his hands and legs bound, by the side of the Hirana bridge, in Panadura this morning (Thursday 19th). He is currently receiving treatment for his injuries at the National Hospital, Colombo. Ven. Vijtha Thero has been a vocal critic of the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) and anadvocate for inter-religious harmony. His outspokenness has resulted in him coming under attack and being subject to serious threats and intimidation allegedly by members of the BBS.Signed by;1. A. Santhiapillai2. A.M. Faaiz - Attorney-at-Law & Director, Secretariat for Muslims3. Aadhila Kayaam4. Affan Ariff5. Ahmed Hussain6 Ainslie Joseph7. Ajit Abeysekera8. Ajita Kadirgamar9. Ajith C. Herath - Hiru Newspaper10. Aman Ashraff11. Amana Hussain12. Amarnath Amarasingham13. Ameena Hussein14. Anandha Joseph15. Anberiya Hanifa16. Angelica Chandrasekeran17. Anita Nesiah18. Anitha Selvarajah19. Ann Jabbar20. Annie Kurian – Director, Centre for Social Concerns21. Anukshi Jayasinha22. Anushaya Collure23. Areeb Ahamed24. Arjini Nawal25. Asanka Brendon Ratnayake26. Asanka Wijesinghe27. Asker Khan – Secretary, Muslim Council of Sri Lanka28. Azhar Ahamed29. B. Gowthaman – Attorney-at-Law30. B. Skanthakumar31. Bhavani Fonseka32. Buddhima Padmasiri33. C. Colombage34. C. Gadiewasam35. Caryll Perera36. Cayathri Divakalala37. Chami Hameed38. Chamindry Saparamadu - Attorney-at-Law39. Chandani Withana40. Chandraguptha Thenuwara41. Chandrika B. Kumaratunga - The South Asia Policy & Research Institute42. Chandrika Gadiewasam43. Chandula Kumbukage44. Chantelle Pieris45. D.H.S. Maithripala – Peradeniya46. D.N. Ambalavanar - Batticaloa47. Deanne Uyangoda48. Deborah Philip49. Dehini Wiratunga50. Dhamsiri Fonseka51. Dhanushka Fernando52. Dilanda Pelpola53. Dinesha Samararatne54. Dinidu de Alwis - Editor-in-Chief, The Republic Square55. Dinushka Jayawickreme56. Dinuwan Senaratne - Network Engineer57. Dr. A. Rohan Perera58. Dr. Dharmasena Pathiraja59. Dr. Fara Haniffa60. Dr. Jehan Perera – National Peace Council (NPC)61. Dr. Kumudu Kusum Kumara - University of Colombo62. Dr. Michael Roberts63. Dr. Pushpa Ramlani Dissanayake64. Dr. R. Cheran65. Dr. Ramya Kumar66. Dr. Ranil D. Guneratne67. Dr. Sepali Kottegoda68. Dr. Sivamohan Sumathy69. Dr. Sunil Wijesiriwardena70. Dr. Zulfika Ismail71. Dumindu Karunasekera72. Elane Savi Wijesekera73. Elma Hussain74. Emil van der Poorten75. Ermiza Tegal - Attorney-at-Law76. Esther Surenthiraj77. Evangeline S. Ekanayake78. F. Solomantine79. Faizun Zackariya - Director, Muslim Women's Research & Action Forum 80. Falih Caffoor81. Farah Hussain82. Farha Fathima83. Farzana Khan84. Fathima Hameed85. Fazil Hussain86. Fazlur Muzammil87. Freddy Gamage - Center for People's Dialogue88. Gajen Mahendra89. Gamini Akmeemana90. Gehan Gunatilleke91. Githanjali Algama92. Hans Billimoria93. Hans Gray94. Harean Hettiarachchi95. Hasangi Nandasena96. Hilmy Ahamed97. Ian Ferdinands98. Ikram Yakeem99. Iromi Perera100. Izhara Huzair101. Jake Oorloff102. Janaki Galappatti103. Janakie Seneviratne104. Jayanta de S. Wijeratne – Negombo105. Jayantha Dhanapala106. Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala107. Jayasingam T. – National Peace Council (NPC)108. Jeanne Samuel109. Jehanki Anandha110. Jezima Hussain111. Joe William112. Jothie Rajah - Research Professor, American Bar Foundation 113. Jovita Arulanantham114. Juanita Arulanantham115. Juweriya Mohideen - Women Action Network (WAN)116. K. Wettasinghe117. K. J. Brito Fernando - Families of the Disappeared118. Karin Fernando119. Kaushalya Perera - University of Kelaniya120. Kiruthika Thurairajah121. Krishna Velupillai122. Kuhanithy Gunachandran123. Kumaran Nadesan124. Kumari Kumaragamage125. Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha126. Leana Pieris127. Leila Udayar128. Lihini Fernando129. Lionel Bopage130. Luwie N. Ganeshathasan - Attorney-at-Law131. M. Mohammed Rifaadh132. M.A. Sumanthiran – Attorney-at-Law133. M.H.M. Ajmeer134. M.L. Weeraman135. M.R. Rahman136. Mahaluxmy Kurushanthan137. Mahendran Thiruvarangan138. Mahiya Abdul Rafeek139. Marina Thowfeek140. Mario Gomez – International Centre for Ethnic Studies (ICES)141. Marisa de Silva 142. Mariyahl Hoole 143. Mayani Weeraman 144. Mehdi Shahriar 145. Melisha Yapa146. Minoli Wijetunga147. Mirak Raheem148. Miyuru Gunasinghe - Independent Consultant149. Mohamed Hisham150. Muhammad Siddeeq151. Mujeebur Rahman152. Munza Mushtaq153. Muttukrishna Sarvananthan - Point Pedro Institute of Development, Point Pedro 154. N.K. Ashokbharan155. N.P.M. Woleedh 156. Nadia Izzy157. Nadishka Aloysius 158. Nagulan Nesiah 159. Naloofa Kayaam 160. Naveed Kayaam 161. Nazly Kabir162. Nicola Perera163. Nigel V. Nugawela164. Nilantha Ilangamuwa - Journalist165. Nilshan Fonseka166. Nimalka Fernando - Women's Political Academy167. Nimanthi Rajasingham168. Ninel Fernando169. Nissanka De Mel170. Niyanthini Kadirgamar171. Nizreena Ismail172. Nusthar Mohamed173. Omar Kayaam174. P. Selvaratnam175. P.N. Singham176. Paba Deshapriya177. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu – Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) 178. Parveen Muhammed179. Peter Rezel180. Philip Disanayake - Right to Life Human Rights Center181. Philip Setunga182. Prabu Deepan183. Pradeepan Raveendran184. Prashanth Kuganathan - Teacher's College, Columbia University 185. Prathiba Perera186. Prianil Abeynaike187. Priya Thangarajah188. Priyanthi Fernando189. Prof. (Emeritus) N. Shanmugaratnam190. Prof. A.M. Navaratna Bandara - University of Peradeniya 191. Prof. Fiona Kumari Campbell192. Prof. Harendra de Silva193. Prof. Jayantha Seneviratne - University of Kelaniya194. Prof. Maithree Wickramasinghe195. Prof. Priyan Dias - University of Moratuwa196. R.M.B. Senanayake197. Rabiya Faizal198. Rajah Perera199. Rajani Chandrasegaram200. Ramani Kadirgamar Muttulingasamy201. Ranjit Galappatti202. Rashmini de Silva203. Rasika Deepani204. Rathika Innasimuttu - The Social Architects205. Raya Hussain206. Razeen Deen207. Regina Ramalingam208. Rev. Fr. Jeyabalan Croos209. Rev. Fr. Nandana Manatunga210. Rev. Fr. Rohan Dominic211. Rev. Fr. S.V.B. Mangalarajah – Jaffna212. Rev. Fr. Sarath Iddamalgoda213. Rev. Jason J. Selvaraja – Senior Pastor, Assembly of God, Chavakachcheri214. Rev. Sr. Deepa Fernando215. Rev. Sr. Noel Christine Fernando 216. Rev. Sr. R. Fernando217. Rikaz Hussain218. Rikaza Laffir219. Riza Yehiya - Architect & Sustainability Consultant 220. Rohini Weerasinghe221. Romesh Hettiarachchi222. Ronnie Yogarajah223. Roshni de Fonseka224. Rossana Favero-Karunaratna225. Ruhanie Perera226. Ruki Fernando227. Rukkaiya Hussain228. Rushdi Zackariya229. Ruwanthie de Chickera230. S. Nanthikesan231. S. Ratnajeevan H. Hoole232. S. Samaraarachchi233. S. Wijesundara234. S.C.C. Elankovan - Program Officer, ZOA Sri Lanka 235. Saadiqa FauzSachini Perera - Asian-Pacific Resource & Research Centre for WomenSampath Samarakoon – Editor, VikalpaSamudrika SylvaSanjana Hattotuwa - Editor, GroundviewsSanje WignarajaSanjeev VisvanathanSarah KabirSarala Emmanuel – BatticaloaSarath RatwatteSaroja SivachandranSashie PeirisSena WeeramanSenaka WeeramanShantha D. Pathirana - Human Rights DefenderShanthi DiasSharmini BoyleSharmini RatwatteShaza WickramarathneShehan de AlwisShifan AhmedShihan ShamsudeenShreen Saroor - Women Action Network (WAN)Shuaib Samad AliShyara Jaleel KhanSilma AhamedSilma Mohideen AhamedSitralega MaunaguruSohan FernandoSrinath Perera - Attorney-at-LawSteve de la ZilwaSuba SivakumaranSubky HussainSumanasiri LiyanageSunanda DeshapriyaSundaram DivakalalaSunela JayewardeneSunethra BandaranaikeSunila MendisSupoorna KulatungaSuren D. Perera – Attorney-at-LawSuren FernandoSuren WatsonTanuja ThurairajahTanya FerdinanduszThaha MuzammilThiruni KelegamaThyagi RuwanpathiranaTisaranee Gunasekara284. Tony Angie285. Tony Senewiratne286. U.L. Jaufer287. Udaya Kalupathirana - INFORM Human Rights Documentation - Centre288. Upeka De Silva289. V.V. Ganeshananthan - Lanka Solidarity290. Vagisha Gunasekara291. Vasuki Nesiah - Assoc. Prof. of Practice, New York University 292. Vino Wijeratne293. Viran Corea294. Viranthi Kumarage295. Visaka Dharmadasa - Association of War Affected Women 296. Vrinda Choraria297. YaliniDream298. Yasantha Gunawardena299. Yazmin Woleedh300. Yazmin Yousuf301. Zairina Ariff302. Zara Hussain303. Ziyada Hassian Ali</blockquote>

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