The Muslim Council of Sri Lanka (MCSL) today condemned the attack carried out on a mosque in Grandpass by “some racist elements” while Muslims had been engaging in prayers last night.

The organization called upon the President to immediately order the Police and the defense authorities to maintain law and order and to bring the perpetrators to justice without prejudice or favor.

It claimed that the attack on the mosque had taken place in the presence of a large number of Police personnel including some senior police officials and that their “failure to intervene” is a blatant violation of the fundamental rights of Muslims in Sri Lanka.

“This can also set a dangerous precedent for future violence and lawlessness in the country,” said the President of MCSL, N.M. Ameen, in statement issued today.

It is regrettable that the hate speeches and hate campaigns continue to grow unabated, he said.

The MCSL, an umbrella organisation of Muslim civil society groups, said Muslims and their leadership have shown great restraint amidst numerous provocations by a number of extremist groups in Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Balangoda, Mahiyangana and several other locations during the past several months.

The MCSL said it has brought this to the attention of the President, the Defense Secretary, the Inspector General of Police, and other defense officials on numerous occasions in the past.

“We once again urge the relevant authorities to take immediate action to reign in these elements who have taken the law into their hands.” Failure on the part of the Police to ensure law and order will result in further violence and drag the country in to another period of turmoil, the statement said.

The MCSL also assured the President its full cooperation and support in his attempt to create a peaceful Sri Lanka for all her citizens.