R. Sampanthan, the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader Tamil National Alliance has condemned the violence against the Muslim community in Ampara.
We publish below the Sampanthan’s statement in full:
“I strongly condemn the attacks carried out against the Muslim community in Ampara. Any form of violence is not acceptable and I urge those who committed these unwarranted acts to create disunity and bring division among the communities to stay away from such activities and not to create ethnic tension among people.
“I urge the government to take stern action against the preparators of the violence in Ampara and to take adequate measures to prevent such incidents being repeated in future. We have witnessed such incidents in the past and we have experienced the repercussions of such unacceptable behaviour and actions. I urge the police and the other officials to enforce the law and order impartially.
“I appeal to the people in Ampara and other areas to remain calm and to set an example to others of the importance of unity among communities.”