Religions for Peace Responds to Terrorist Attacks in Sri Lanka

(New York) The Religions for Peace global family is deeply saddened by the despicable acts of
terror that targeted hotels and Christian places of worship in Colombo, Negombo and Batticaloa during the holy celebration of Easter. We join the leaders of the Sri Lanka Council of Religions for Peace (RfP Sri Lanka) and the people of Sri Lanka as they grieve the loss of innocent lives.

For Christians, Easter is a time to remember the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and to recommit to practicing love and compassion. In post-war Sri Lanka, religious communities have worked side-by-side to cultivate in the hearts of people the virtues of love and compassion for the rebuilding of their nation. We cannot allow the misuse of religion and violent extremism to weaken our shared hope and commitment to peace and reconciliation.

His Holiness, the Supreme Patriarch of Sri Lanka, Ven. Kotsugoda Dhammawasa, Honorary Chair of RfP Sri Lanka, alongside his co-leaders from the Christian, Muslim and Hindu communities, condemned this heinous act of violent extremism and called for national unity and solidarity.

Religions for Peace stands with Sri Lanka’s religious communities in continuing their work to overcome violent extremism and to promote peace with justice and reconciliation in Sri Lanka.

In solidarity,

Dr. William F. Vendley, Secretary General

The Sri Lanka Council of Religions for Peace (RfP Sri Lanka), an interreligious organization composed of senior religious leaders of the four major religions in Sri Lanka, condemns the barbarous acts that targeted Christian places of worship in Colombo, Negombo, Batticaloa and hotels in Colombo.

It is a matter of great concern that having just recovered from a bloody war, once again violence has reared its ugly head in Sri Lanka. All religions teach love, respect and tolerance, and these teachings are part of the rich fabric of our Sri Lankan society. To see this being torn by extremist elements is profoundly sad and cannot be tolerated.

We therefore earnestly pray that sanity will prevail, and our political and religious leaders will ensure that the trust placed in them in protecting those under their care is not destroyed.

May all Sri Lankans work together to maintain unity, togetherness and brotherhood.