US condemns attacks against mosques in Sri Lanka

Condemning the attacks on mosques in Sri Lanka, the United States said it expects the Government of Sri Lanka to take immediate measures against the attacks.

Issuing a Twitter message, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Atul Keshap denounced attacks on any religious place.

The Ambassador was responding to the petrol bomb attack on the Kurunegala Maligapitiya Jumma Mosque on Sunday (21 May) morning.

The Police are investigating the attack on the church hall which is used for education activities.

Ambassador Keshap, pointing out that attack was the third attack on Muslim religious places within this week, expressed hope that the authorities would arrest the culprits soon

“Any attack on a house of worship is reprehensible; this is the third in a week. I hope authorities arrest and try the perpetrators soonest,” the Ambassador said on his official Twitter account.

The extremist Buddhist organisation, Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) led by Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero, is alleged to be behind the attacks.

However, the extremist monk has reportedly commenced a fast in the Malwathu Viharaya today to evade possible arrest by the Police.