The Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) today noted with concern, the rise of hate speech in Sri Lanka in the recent past, which it says challenges the “initiatives being taken by the government to heal the country” after decades of bloodshed and destruction.

“Hate filled expressions and actions by groups with vested interests, resulting in demeaning, denigrating and inciting violence against fellow citizens of various ethnic, religious backgrounds has no place in Sri Lankan society,” ONUR Chairperson, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, said in a statement. 

The former President said that for the first time in contemporary Sri Lanka, the Government has a stated vision to build One United Nation by promoting Reconciliation and a lasting Peace.

The Government is working towards bringing about reconciliation among all communities, making it the highest priority, she said.

“This is in contrast to the years before 2015 where power brokers in the state fomented communal and ethnic hatred, shielded by a culture of impunity, thereby inciting racism and violence against fellow Sri Lankans,” she charged. 

Kumaratunga said that the active participation and leadership of all patriotic Sri Lankans is essential for the achievement of Reconciliation, Peace and honest, effective, people friendly Governance if the country is to attain political stability, economic growth and progress the nation richly deserve.

We must work towards acknowledging the differences and celebrating the richness of diversity in our multi-ethnic, multi-religious country, she said.

The former President stressed that “strictest action” must be taken without delay, against persons or groups who act to provoke disharmony by creating divisions among citizens along ethnic and religious lines.

ONUR welcomed the President and the Prime Minister’s unequivocal statements that “we cannot permit racist or extremist elements from any community to challenge or imperil our chosen path to a stable, prosperous and plural Sri Lanka.”