| A Statement issued by the Ministry of External
Affairs, Colombo
( October 5,
2012, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The attention of the Ministry of External
Affairs has been drawn to the recent incidents that took place in Bangladesh
which have caused a sense of anxiety and grief
among some sections of the Sri Lankan community both here in Sri Lanka
and in Bangladesh.
In this regard
the Government of Sri Lanka wishes to
note the following, based on a report provided
by Sri Lanka High Commissioner
Sarath Weragoda on the request of the
Ministry of External Affairs.
The attack on
several temples, pagodas and Buddhist dwellers in the Chittagong District
Bangladesh sparked out from 29th September, causing panic among the Buddhist
community living in the Chittagong
District.
The latest
reports indicate that about 15 temples and pagodas and about 100 houses of Buddhists
living in the area had been set on fire.
Responding to
the incident, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, expressed her deep concerns and
ordered security to be provided to
Buddhists living in the
Chittagong District. Further, Home Minister Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir and
Minister of Industries Dilip Barua had
also visited the affected area soon after the incidents. The High Court
Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh on 03 October directed the
Government to provide all mosques, temples, churches, pagodas, and other places
of worship across the country to be provided with adequate security.
Officials from
the Police Diplomatic Security Divisions in Dhaka had informed the High Commission that
security in Chittagong and affected areas have been brought under
control and also there is no security threat to the Sri Lankan Community
including the University Students in Chittagong.
The High
Commission in Dhaka is constantly in touch with law enforcement authorities in
Bangladesh so as to ensure the safety and security of Sri Lankans in
Bangladesh. The Honorary Consul of Sri
Lanka in Chittagong, Mr Kaizer Javed Ally also has made arrangements with
relevant authorities to safeguard the interests of the Sri Lankan community
there while the Police had strengthened security of the Chancery and the
Residence of Sri Lanka.
The Government
of Sri Lanka in close consultations with the Government of the People’s
Republic of Bangladesh is constantly monitoring the situation in order
to ensure the safety and well being of all Sri Lankans in Bangladesh.
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