Sri Lankans hold major vigil in capital Colombo to remember Easter bombing victims and protest against government apathy towards national security
Sri Lanka has faced heavy condemnation for ignoring warnings given by both its own Muslim community and Indian intelligence ahead of the attacks.
"We are proud Muslims. We are proud of our faith. And culturally, we are very proud Sri Lankans," Ali Sabry, a member of the Muslim Civil Society Organisation and organiser of "Rise up for Solidarity" vigil, told"We all feel that we have just let the politicians hijack our cause. So, it is time for professionals and civil leaders to get together and give some directions," Sabry said, at the Independence Square where the event was held.
"We are representing our factory and are here to grieve with people in this moment of tragedy," TM Sidyalatha, 61, a factory worker told"Islam does not condone violence," said a retired school teacher Dinah Markar, also attending the congregation. Moreover, the island country's government has been passing through a political crisis, with President Maithripala Sirisena pitted against his own Prime Minister, Ranil Wikremesingha."And the only people I hold responsible [for the killings] are the government. Once again, it has been turned into a political game."
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