Pillay expresses alarm at Aluthgama incident

16 June 2014 03:41 pm

UN Human Rights Chief Navi Pillay has called on the Government of Sri Lanka to take immediate measures to curb the inter-communal violence taking place in South Western Sri Lanka while expressing her deep alarm at the incidents.  

In a statement issued by Ms. Pillay a short while ago she has stated, “The Government must urgently do everything it can to arrest this violence, curb the incitement and hate speech which is driving it and protect all religious minorities.”

She has also expressed concern over the possibility of the violence that occurred in Beruwala and Aluthgama spreading to other parts of the country, if necessary steps are not taken to contain it.

“The authorities must immediately bring the perpetrators of such attacks to book and make it clear to the religious leadership on both sides, to political parties and the general public that there is no place for inflammatory rhetoric and incitement to violence,” she has stated.

Ms. Pillay has also urged for appropriate measures to be taken by the security forces to contain the situation while ensuring the situation is not worsened through any excessive use of force. (Lakna Paranamanna)