Violence grows in Sri Lanka, UN expresses concern

The escalating sectarian violence in the North Western Province and other parts of Sri Lanka has prompted two United Nations Special Advisers to call on the Sri Lankan government to put an end to the violence and swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice and hold them accountable. The United Nations Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng, and the United Nations Special Advisor on the Responsibility to Protect, Karen Smith have expressed their grave concerns about the growing acts of violence on the basis of religion, including attacks against homes, places of worship and businesses, in the North Western Province of Sri Lanka.

The statement adds that the recent violence in Sri Lanka has highlighted a growing influence of nationalist and extremist views of identity in the Asia region, putting religious minorities at risk.
"The recent violence in Sri Lanka has highlighted a growing influence of nationalist and extremist views of identity in the Asia region, putting religious minorities at risk," said the statement.