SLMC condemns terror attacks

The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) yesterday issued the following statement condemning the multiple terror attacks in Colombo and outside. 

The cowardly and barbaric attacks carried out on the unsuspecting innocent civilians most of whom had gathered to observe and offer prayers at churches during one of the important and holiest days in the Christian calendar are absolutely shocking for our country and people, who had made great sacrifice to bring in a period of peace and stability since the end of the armed conflict. This no doubt constitutes acts of terror. 

At the very outset, the SLMC condemns these cruel and senseless violent attacks in the strongest possible terms and calls on the Government to immediately use its full strength at its command to investigate, find the underlying cause of the motives, apprehend and bring to book perpetrators, and their promoters or handlers, whoever they are.

It is apparent that these dastardly attacks have been coordinated well, targeting popular places of worship for Christians in order to instigate religious hatred and violence and also on tourists staying in hotels thus smacking of collateral purposes, including an attack on democracy. Hence, the need for law enforcement authorities to act fast and find the truth, stop the spread of such violent terror and ensure justice to the victims. 

The SLMC stands in solidarity with all those who have been affected and the kith and kin of those who have been killed so senselessly and offer our deepest commiserations. The SLMC also urges every Sri Lankan to be mindful of the agents of disharmony and destabilisation, not to fall prey to sinister designs and to remain calm. 

We call upon the people to cooperate with the Government and the law enforcement agencies in their efforts to maintain law and order, investigate, and bring to justice authors of these terrorist acts.