In display of solidarity towards the family members of fellow Sri Lankan citizens who lost their lives and properties due to the tensions triggered by some extremist activities in Kandy during the last week, the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai organized a special programme in coordination with the Sri Lankan community living in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, at the premises of the Consulate General on Sunday, 11 March 2018. The objective of this programme was to apprise the Sri Lankans in Dubai and the Northern Emirates of the cohesive measures that the Government of Sri Lanka has taken towards eradicating extremism and reinstating the harmony between all communities in Sri Lanka. The programme also focused on enhancing the inter-community dialogue with a view to averting recurrence of similar incidents in future.
Consul General Charitha Yattogoda, addressing the audience, reiterated the Sri Lankan Government’s commitment to create a society in which all communities can live blissfully, sharing the equal dividends of economic development. Whilst offering his profound condolences to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones due to the tensions, the Consul General also highlighted the importance of creating a peaceful Sri Lanka, in which, the strength will be unity in diversity. He further called upon all communities to act responsibly and stand together to fight extremism and work towards a bright future.
The venerable priests/ religious leaders representing four major religions of Sri Lanka participated in the event. During their meaningful sermons, the religious dignitaries highlighted the importance of tolerance, and of respecting all religions, ethnic groups and individuals.
At the conclusion of the addresses by religious leaders, the floor was given to three individuals, representing the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities of Sri Lanka to address the gathering. All of them strongly condemned the recent attacks on certain community groups by extremists and emphasized the timely need of upholding the ‘Sri Lankanness’ on the way towards development.
In addition to over 150 Sri Lankans who gathered for the event, both UAE and Sri Lankan media had been invited to provide coverage for this unique programme. The programme was broadcast live on a UAE based radio-channel in order to reach out to the masses.
The programme earned a lot of positive feedback from all the community representatives of Sri Lanka in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Dubai
12 March 2018
