Envoys of OIC states meet President, PM; express concerns over communal tensions

• Envoys call on President, PM to take all measures to contain communal disharmony
• Convey concerns over safety and security of Muslims
• President, PM take note and assure continued engagement

The envoys of member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) called on President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to take all measures to contain any possible trace of events that could lead to communal disharmony and contribute to escalation of communal violence within the country.

The envoys conveyed their concerns over safety and security of Muslim community in Sri Lanka. They further emphasised on the need for political leadership in Sri Lanka across the divides to take proactive measures to create a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere among all communities.

They underscored their outreach to the President and the Prime Minister in the spirit of longstanding friendship and multifarious engagements between their respective countries and Sri Lankan people over the decades.

They elaborated that creating the desired harmonious environment is crucial not just in the long-term interest of pluralist Sri Lankan society but also for the region and beyond.

The envoys, therefore, requested the President and Prime Minister to take all steps to contain any possible trace of events that could cause communal disharmony or contribute to escalation of communal violence within the Sri Lankan society.

The President and the Prime Minister took note of the concerns expressed by the envoys and assured of the Government’s continued engagements.