The United Nations in Sri Lanka, issuing a statement on the prevailing situation in the country, called on the authorities to hold the perpetrators and inciters of violence to account.

The UN further called on the local security establishment to ensure that interventions, under the State of Emergency, are applied in a proportionate and non-discriminatory manner that will respect the rights of all communities and individuals while ensuring their security.

The statement said, “The United Nations welcomes the unequivocal condemnation expressed on many occasions by political, religious and other community leaders towards the hate-mongering and violence carried out by a few.”

Expressing its concern about the emerging incidents of communal violence and tension in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday terrorist attack, the UN in Sri Lanka called on the government to ensure that the situation does not escalate.

As a country, Sri Lanka remains at a critical juncture where a unified rejection of hate is of paramount importance for sustaining peace, the statement further said.

The UN says that the responsibility also lies with each citizen to ensure that they do not spread misinformation that would lead to insecurity or cause violence. Hateful words will cause greater disunity and fuel existing tensions and fears, the statement added.

“Now is the time to come together and rebuild trust among communities, and this requires inclusive and unified approach from politicians, the security forces and community leaders. We must all work together to ensure the safety and rights of every Sri Lankan, regardless of ethnicity or religion,” the statement issued by the UN in Sri Lanka further said.