The UN office in Colombo today condemned the violence perpetrated by Sinhala mobs against the Muslim community in Kandy.
Calling for immediate action to be taken against the perpetrators and that normalcy is returned, the UN Colombo office said, "The United Nations also urges authorities, and all citizens to ensure that the rule of law is upheld, human rights are protected, and security and safety is ensured for all."
Yesterday the government declared a state of emergency, however anti-Muslim violence continues to be reported.
The UN under secretary general, Jeffrey Feltman is due to visit Sri Lanka this week.
Commenting on his scheduled visit, the UN spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric said the visit was planned before the current incident.
“We are obviously concerned over reports of the ongoing communal violence and we welcome the government’s commitment to addressing the tensions and achieve reconciliation,” Dujarric added however. “We urge all Sri Lankans to resolve their difference through dialogue.”
