Dutch Govt., people stand in solidarity with Sri Lanka in wake of Easter Sunday terrorist attacks

King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands was among the first world leaders to reach out to the people of Sri Lanka, within hours of the cold-blooded and barbaric multiple terrorist attacks, targeting Christians celebrating Easter Mass last Sunday 21 April, at three churches in Colombo, Negombo and Batticaloa, as well as three luxury hotels in Colombo on the same day, in which over 350 people lost their lives, leaving more than 500 others seriously wounded. 

Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima in their joint condolence message expressed their solidarity and sympathy with the people of Sri Lanka in the following words:

“The attacks in Sri Lanka have taken many lives. Among the victims are many people who were peacefully attending church in order to celebrate Easter together.

We are shocked by this senseless violence. Our thoughts go out to all the victims and their loved ones. They are in our prayers, as they are in the prayers of so many people around the world.”

Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok tweeted on the same day, “Horrified by the terrible attacks on this Easter Sunday in Sri Lanka. Our thoughts are with the victims, including one Dutch national at this moment. The Netherlands has passed its heartfelt condolences to the Sri Lankan people. We stand with you.”

On Tuesday 23 April, the first working day in The Netherlands following the long weekend, including the Easter Monday holiday, the House of Representatives (the Tweede Kamer or the Second Chamber) of the Dutch Parliament held a special commemorative event at the commencement of its regular session to express solidarity and sympathy with the people of Sri Lanka, following the Easter Sunday massacre.

Ambassador of Sri Lanka Adam M.J. Sadiq was invited to attend this special session, presided over by the President of the House (Speaker) Khadija Arib. Prior to the commencement of the session, Madam Speaker met Ambassador Sadiq to personally convey her condolences on the colossal loss of lives in the multiple terrorist bombings in Sri Lanka. 

At the commencement of the special commemorative session, the President, Khadija Arib made a Statement (in Dutch) at the outset of which she welcomed the Prime Minister and the Sri Lankan Ambassador. 

Following the Speaker, Prime Minister Mark Rutte, delivered a Statement on behalf of the Dutch Government, in which he strongly denounced the horrendous terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka. He expressed the hope that the perpetrators and organisations behind the attacks will be punished. He further stated, “Following the attacks, there have been numerous powerful responses from all over the world. These responses ultimately concentrated on the single thought that violence will never defeat peace. Extremism will never beat freedom and hate will never beat humanity.” 

Thereafter, the House observed two minutes silence in memory of the victims of the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka. It is noteworthy to mention that throughout the proceedings of the commemorative event, which lasted about 20 minutes, Members of the House remained standing. The President then adjourned the sitting, to enable the Members of Parliament to meet the Sri Lankan Ambassador and express their condolences.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte met Ambassador Sadiq and expressed his profound shock and sorrow at the loss of so many lives in the terrorist bombings and assured that the Dutch Government stands ready to support Sri Lanka in this difficult time.

Meanwhile, a public meeting, in memory of the victims of the terrorist bombings in Sri Lanka was held in the capital city, Amsterdam at the Central Station Square on the same evening (23 April) at 7.30 p.m. This silent vigil was led by the Mayor of the city, Madam Femska Halsema, and attended not only by the Dutch but also several people belonging to various nationalities in this cosmopolitan city, in a spontaneous outpouring of international solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. The event concluded with the switching on of a giant laser-lit Sri Lanka flag on the façade of the Central Station, echoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s message in Parliament that the Dutch people stand side by side with the people of Sri Lanka in their time of adversity.

A Condolence Book was opened at the Embassy yesterday and will be kept open until tomorrow, Friday, 26 April for Heads of diplomatic missions and international organisations, as well as members of the Diplomatic Corps in The Hague, to express their condolences. 45 Ambassadors, as well as Charge d’ Affaires and diplomats of 30 missions have so far visited the Embassy to sign the Condolence Book. The Mayors of The Hague and Utrecht also came to the Embassy to register their condolences.

Another Condolence Book has also been kept open in the Consular Section of the Embassy for members of the public to pay tribute to the victims of the Easter Sunday terrorist carnage in Sri Lanka.