OIC Expresses Solidarity with Muslims in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan Muslims seek sanctuary following a rampage by Buddhist mobs that many blame the BBS.

 
Jeddah, 12 Ramadan 1438/7 June 2017,(MINA)  – The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen stressed the OIC’s full solidarity with and support for the Muslim community of Sri Lanka against the apparent rising trend of violence instigated by extremists which is spreading fear and mistrust among the population.

The Secretary General expressed that the reports of attacks on homes, businesses and mosques are of great concern and deeply regrettable.

While appealing for calm and peaceful relations between the communities, Dr. Al-Othaimeen urged the authorities to enforce the rule of law, investigate the incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice, SPA reported.

He noted that the Muslim community in Sri Lanka has a long standing presence in the country and a tradition of living in peace and harmony with their compatriots and contributing to the cultural and economic life of the country as a whole.

Sri Lanka’s Muslim ministers and members of parliament, cutting across political parties, have resolved to jointly meet President Maithripala Sirisena to demand action against Sinhalese Buddhist extremist groups like the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), which are attacking mosques with impunity and aggressively claiming lands held or claimed by Muslims. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)