Govt. says dialogue continues to ensure interfaith harmony and understanding

Friday, 14 March 2014 06:41 -     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Government on Wednesday said the recent sporadic attacks on religious targets are isolated incidents and there is an attempt to portray such sporadic incidents targeting places of worship as a sign of religious hatred and intolerance. In a statement at the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief at the 25th session of the UN Human Rights Council, the Sri Lankan delegation said that the Government does not condone such attacks on places of religious worship. In all instances where police complaints have been lodged, the legal process has been set in motion, including producing suspects before magistrates, the statement said. While noting that Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country, the statement said Sri Lankan government is committed to ensure the right for all people in Sri Lanka to enjoy the freedom of religion including the freedom to have or adopt a religion or belief of their choice is protected. The statement said that in keeping with Sri Lanka’s societal, cultural and historical norms, regular dialogue continues to take place at various levels to ensure interfaith harmony and understanding among its diverse populace.

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