Leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), Justice Minister Rauff Hakeem yesterday told US Ambassador Michele J. Sison that Muslims in the country will lose faith in the government if it fails to take immediate legal action, against Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera.
He said this when the US Ambassador met him at his residence.
He also stressed on the need of taking legal action against those other culprits who were involved in recent attacks.
Minister Hakeem was discussing the current situation and his stance on the Aluthgama incident with the US Ambassador. The recent attacks on Muslims were mainly highlighted in this discussion and the reasons were also examined.
The minister, according to his media spokesperson, had also appreciated the statements issued by the US Embassy condemning the attacks. The Ambassador also pointed out that the United Nations Secretary General released a statement condemning the attacks.
Minister Hakeem said the recent incidents bear evidence to the Navaneetham Pillay’s report on actions against minority communities in the country. He also stressed that a report submitted by the SLMC to Navaneetham Pillay was correct.
“Even if the government does not like the UN representatives entering the country to look into issues, I feel they should come to the country and examine the present situation,” he has said.
He also told the ambassador that he was considering introducing laws to tackle hate speech.
Hakeem added that it is arbitrary that government not being able to take action against the ‘errant’ monk of Bodu Bala Sena under same laws they arrested Azath Salley.
The US Ambassador expressed her anxiety over all the recent incidents and claimed that the US is observing the recent attacks against the minority communities.
Meanwhile, Hakeem is also expected to meet British High Commissioner over the matter. (MT)
By Mirudhula Thambiah
Ceylon Today