Colombo, 2 December 2021 (TDI): Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, G.L. Peiris, organized a working dinner for the Heads of Mission of Islamic States. The event took place in Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka.
As Guest of Honour, Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Mahindra Rajapaksa also marked his presence at the venue. Ambassadors from the countries of Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Qatar, Turkey, among others, attended the event.
FOREIGN MINISTER’S ADDRESS
Minister Peiris, whilst addressing the Islamic envoys, spoke on the important role the Sri Lankan Muslim community has played in the past as well as in recent times on politics and social life in Sri Lanka.
He interlinked these positive relations surrounding the Islamic Community of Sri Lanka with those of the larger Muslim community. With regards to this, he stated that diplomatic relations with both communities, at the state and global levels, were cordial.
The Foreign Minister continued that Sri Lanka would remain consistent in its commitment to ensuring inclusivity and protection of citizens’ rights. This means that every person, irrespective of their creed, ethnicity, or race, will continue to enjoy the freedom of religious and cultural expression.
This value is mirrored in Sri Lanka’s legal system, where laws characteristic to Muslims, Kandyan and Tamil communities, are present. Hence, Sri Lanka is a safe space for people of all social backgrounds.
At the same time, Minister Peiris acknowledged the terrorist activities which have disrupted the peace and harmony of Sri Lankan lives. He noted that, in the past, groups of religious extremists have tried to wreak havoc in the name of religion.
This is particularly through the misuse of modern technology and ungoverned access to the internet. To combat such hate speech, the Minister elaborated on the legislative steps which Sri Lanka plans on taking.
RESPONSE FROM AMBASSADORS
The attendees were all in agreement that it is Sri Lanka’s rich diversity of religion and culture that makes it a strong nation. Additionally, they appreciated the Sri Lankan Government’s legal attempts to bar notorious extremists from committing hate crimes.
Furthermore, they reaffirmed their solidarity with the country in these efforts and offered cooperation in overcoming challenges related to economic recovery. Both Sri Lankan Prime Minister and Foreign Minister ended the dinner by expressing gratitude to the participating envoys for their constructive discourse.
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