Socialist International mourns terror victims in Sri Lanka

The Socialist International condemns the appalling coordinated attacks on Sunday 21 April in Sri Lanka, which targeted Christians worshipping at Easter Sunday church services and a number of hotels in the capital city Colombo. The loss of over 250 innocent lives in the space of a few short hours makes this one of the most deadly terrorist attacks in recent years. The Socialist International and its member parties offer their heartfelt sympathies and condolences to all those affected by the attacks, and extend their best wishes for recovery to those injured, many of whom continue to fight for their lives.

The International stands in full solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka as they try to come to terms with this senseless loss of life. It is essential that members of the Christian community, in Sri Lanka as in all countries of the world, are free to practise their religion without fear of violence, and the SI once more emphasises its unwavering commitment to defeating all forms of religious intolerance, extremism and terror in order that people of all faiths and none around the world are safe to freely express their beliefs.

Those responsible for planning, supporting and carrying out this act of terrorism represent a violent and murderous ideology that is diametrically opposed to the most fundamental values of humanity. They must be held accountable for their actions and brought to justice, and the Socialist International calls upon the entire international community to work together for a comprehensive and coordinated response in order to eliminate the scourge of terrorism.