CBK condemns terror attacks, urges unity

Monday, 22 April 2019 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga

Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga who is now Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) Chair issued the following statement.

I join all peace loving Sri Lankans to condemn unreservedly the dastardly acts of violence that occurred since this morning in several leading Christian churches all over the country and in hotels in Colombo.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to the families of those who lost lives, even while they were peacefully at worship, on this holiest of days for Christians – Easter Sunday, as well as to all the others. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured.

It is clear that this is a well-organised operation to create chaos in a country that is painfully returning to peace and economic recovery. The guilty must be sought out and punished, without delay, whatever their status.

I call upon all my brothers and sisters not to be provoked by these events, however difficult and painful it may prove, and to maintain the unity, brotherhood and peace we have built for each other, irrespective of all differences, during the past few years.

We must resolve to reject violence and extremism in all its forms and adopt the weapon of understanding, reconciliation and love. It is one that is not in the armoury of the extremist and hence cannot be defeated by him.

Let us demonstrate that we Sri Lankans have the strength to rise above the ugly hatred and the violence of the weak, in order that we continue on the path of rebuilding a strong and prosperous country.

I wish to announce as Chair of ONUR that we will immediately set up Peace Committees all over the country with the participation of representatives of all communities, to engage in maintaining peace and harmony among all.

Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event including Valentine ’s Day. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Flower Bouquets, Clothing, Watches, Lingerie, Gift Sets and Jewellery. Also if you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.