Kumar Sangakkara calls for peace amidst communal riots in Sri Lanka
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Sri Lanka has been on the edge since the April 21 horror when suicide bombers exploded themselves in three churches and three luxury hotels besides two other places.
Former Sri Lanka cricketer Kumar Sangakkara has urged the people of his country to maintain peace following the communal riots.
Expressing dismay and shock at the communal riots in Sri Lanka, the country's former cricket captain said the need of the hour is peace and togetherness.
"STOP. BREATHE. THINK. OPEN YOUR EYES. If we lose ourselves in violence, racism, thuggery and hatred we lose our country. Unite as Sri Lankans, be peaceful, keep each other safe. Do not give into shameful, divisive political agendas. WE HEAL AND RISE TOGETHER AS ONE NATION," tweeted the former left-handed batsman.
STOP. BREATHE. THINK. OPEN YOUR EYES. If we lose ourselves in violence, racism, thuggery and hatred we lose our country. Unite as Sri Lankans, be peaceful, keep each other safe. Do not give into shameful, divisive political agendas. WE HEAL AND RISE TOGETHER AS ONE NATION
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) May 14, 2019
Sri Lanka on May 13 declared a nationwide curfew after communal riots spread to several parts of the island nation, just three weeks after multiple suicide bombings claimed by the Islamic State claimed over 250 people.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in a statement urged citizens to remain calm and not be swayed by rumours.
Sri Lanka has been on the edge since the April 21 horror when suicide bombers exploded themselves in three churches and three luxury hotels besides two other places. Most targets were in Colombo.
The killings were the worst to hit Sri Lanka since the end of the civil war a decade earlier.
(With inputs from agencies)