Some local bodies failed to respond effectively to communal attacks-US

21 May 2013 01:07 pm - 14 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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While claiming that trend in the Sri Lanka government’s respect for religious freedom did not change significantly during the year, the US said that ‘in certain instances, local authorities failed to respond effectively to communal attacks, including attacks on members of minority religious groups.’

Issuing the ‘International Religious Freedom Report for 2012’ on Monday, the U.S. Department of State said; there were reports of societal abuses and discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice. Sporadic violent attacks on Christian churches by Buddhists and some societal tension due to ongoing allegations of forced or “unethical” conversions (i.e., the use of bribes to persuade people to convert) continued, although the number and scale of attacks were reportedly fewer than in recent years. Intolerance of, and discrimination against, Muslims by some Buddhists increased during the year.”

It also stated that the U.S. embassy officials in Colombo conveyed U.S. government concerns about religious freedom, particularly attacks on churches, to government leaders and urged them to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators.

“The ambassador and other embassy officials also met regularly with representatives of all religious groups to review a wide range of human rights, ethnic, and religious freedom concerns. During meetings with religious group leaders, senior U.S. officials discussed religious freedom, including reconciliation efforts and harassment of minority groups. The U.S. embassy supported interfaith efforts to promote a peaceful resolution of the underlying causes of conflict, and the embassy undertook a number of projects promoting interfaith dialogue and cooperative engagement,” it said.

The report on Sri Lanka

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Comments - 14

charly Tuesday, 21 May 2013 02:11 PM

More than 60 people were killed in Iraq few days ago .thanks to US.There are not muslims ???????

Kasthuri Tuesday, 21 May 2013 02:26 PM

US seems fueling to create another problem in Sri Lanka in the name of religious freedom and trying to lobby their hooligans to cripple the freedom prevail for all the people in our country after 30 years.Sri Lankans must not fall into these traps as it will create another country such like Iraq or Libya which has violence atmosphere daily basis.

Rambo Tuesday, 21 May 2013 03:21 PM

No wonder. Local bodies failed to respond to many attacks that happens on daily bais.

Saskia Tuesday, 21 May 2013 03:53 PM

Very well said. Please continue to monitor SL government's activities in this way..

ravinduk Tuesday, 21 May 2013 04:11 PM

minority trying to destroying the Buddhist culture, ancient religious places. first place all the Buddhist's asks from them to not to do so... they never heard.

iranga Tuesday, 21 May 2013 06:44 PM

Who killed over 1million Iraqis ??

DCOL Tuesday, 21 May 2013 07:31 PM

Both Jayalalitha and US issuing two statements on Sri Lanka same day. Any UN sessions near by?

sangaralingham Tuesday, 21 May 2013 08:12 PM

wise people knows patient tolerance improve the well being of the society and lead to prospeity if working hard respecting each other

Mohamed Tuesday, 21 May 2013 09:27 PM

I never expected US to talk about minoriy religion group . However thank to US . No Muslim country talked about Sri Lankan situation openly.

Mohamed Tuesday, 21 May 2013 09:30 PM

US calculation with regard to percentage is wrong Muslim population is 10.2 % - 8 % was 40 years back. Christians are around 8-9 % - Its doesn't matter all are Sri Lankans we need to live peacefully.

Truth Hurts Wednesday, 22 May 2013 12:03 AM

An excellent report on current developments in Sri Lanka, which our government should take note of.

john duminda cena Wednesday, 22 May 2013 01:35 AM

This is true.

weir Wednesday, 22 May 2013 01:23 PM

just like in the good old USA

Bastonian Wednesday, 22 May 2013 02:26 PM

USA+PONIL+ jAYALALITHA=WONT A PIECE OF CAKE.SLEEP TO GATHER.

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Some local bodies failed to respond effectively to communal attacks-US

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