Attacks against religious places are reprehensible - Atul Keshap

Attacks against religious places of worship are reprehensible, whether here in Sri Lanka, or in the United States of America, or anywhere around the world, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Atul Keshap said.  

Ambassador Keshap made this remark during an Iftar Event held in Batticaloa.

He also said that the Muslim community in Sri Lanka forms an integral part of your rich cultural heritage and Muslims have been here for many centuries and have been contributing to the prosperity and happiness of this country.

“Despite the recent spate of attacks on mosques and Muslim-owned businesses, I applaud that the Sri Lankan Muslim community has remained peaceful, constructive, and resilient. In particular, I and so many others saw how the Muslim community of Sri Lanka joined together to help the people of this country after the recent floods that affected so many of your fellow citizens,” he said.

He added that he believes those who spread hatred offend not just the good nature of human beings, but violate the human rights that we all should enjoy.  ”To preserve rule of law, to preserve harmony, religious freedom, and tolerance and mutual respect, it is imperative that anybody engaging in such acts of violence should be arrested and brought to trial,” he said.