COLOMBO : Sri Lanka’s Justice Minister Ali Sabry and a number of Muslim organizations in Sri Lanka have condemned the terrorist attack in New Zealand and they have also appreciated the unbiased stance taken by the Auckland government in dealing with the tragedy on Friday, September 3.
Justice Minister Sabry said he was shocked and saddened to hear of the terrorist attack in Auckland, New Zealand.
Minister Sabry said : “ I condemn this senseless and cowardly act of violence driven by what is reported as extremist ideology. Extremism in all forms has no place in today’s world and will only serve to further divide and harm all of us if it’s not eradicated, and I hope we can continue to root it out wherever in the world it may arise. My thoughts are with the victims and their families at this difficult time.”
The All Ceylon YMMA Conference has expressed its its deep shock and grief by the barbaric and cowardly terrorist act in Auckland, New Zealand .
A message from Saheed M Rismy its National President said : “ We condemn the brutal attack and we express our deepest condolences and our sympathies to the affected families.
We also express our full and unconditional support and solidarity to the New Zealand Government and the people in their efforts to maintain an open, pluralistic, democratic society, which guarantees and protects the fundamental values and principles of all people.
Any act of terrorism, will not succeed in undermining the foundations of the common democratic culture. We strongly condemn this terrorist attack by the lone misguided and brainwashed individual and empathize with those injured. This cowardly attack targeted the innocent civilians and brought immense grief onto the families, the civil society, communities, and the entire nation. In addition, we share our deepest condolences and sympathies with the families of the victims and the entire citizens of New Zealand.”
In a statement from the President of the Sri Lanka Muslim Civil Society, Zuraish Hashim, the organization has vehemently condemned the terrorist attack that took place today in Auckland today (3rd August 2021) at a supermarket and prays for the health and wellbeing of those wounded and otherwise affected by such a horrendous act. “ We recognise and appreciate the Hon. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern for her leadership seen in her apt response targeting the perpetrator of the crime against humanity whilst protecting the respect and dignity of Sri Lankans living in New Zealand. Her statement pointing out that “What happened (today) was despicable, it was hateful it was wrong,” adding “It was carried out by an individual, not a faith” is testament to how terrorists and terrorism manifests itself in our lives. We are also moved by the statement issued by the New Zealand High Commission in Sri Lanka which read, “New Zealand’s Sri Lankan community is, and will always be, an integral and treasured part of Kiwi society”. Such a statement encourages coexistence and harmony which is undoubtedly embolden efforts towards healing from such horrific acts. Credit is due to the security/ law enforcement personnel as well who acted swiftly to ensure the damage was controlled. We, as civil representatives of the Muslim community in Sri Lanka, have actively engaged in addressing concerns around terrorism and always advocated coexistence between all communities. We are pleased to see and hear New Zealand’s authorities labeling this act as being “inspired” by a “terrorist ideology” (ISIS) that has nothing to do with the aspirations of a particular community or faith thereby protecting the sovereignty of its people. We stand in solidarity with the people of New Zealand during this difficult time.”
