UN urges Sri Lanka to take action against those inciting hatred and violence

Wednesday, 24 May 2017 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The United Nations (UN) has urged the Government of Sri Lanka to take action against those inciting hatred and violence.

UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, Una McCauley said it is time for Sri Lanka to “stand strong and be bold” to hold those inciting hatred and violence responsible for their actions.

“Last week Sri Lanka celebrated Vesak and this week the teaching of the Lord Buddha - his message of peace, tolerance and respect for all are being drowned out,” she said in a statement.

“I implore the government and all Sri Lankans to stand united against those inciting hatred.”

“Let the universal values of Justice, compassion and respect common to us all guide us towards peace and security,” her statement said.

The UN official’s statement follows a series of attacks on Muslim religious places and businesses in the past month.

According to a BBC Sinhala service report, there were 15 attacks on targeting Muslims since April 16.

The US and UN envoys have also urged the government to take immediate action against the perpetrators inciting religious hatred.