The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), in a letter addressed to all Commissioners of Local Government Authorities, noted that in certain areas, members of the Muslim community who are lawfully engaged in commercial activities have been banned from using public premises for such purposes, after the violent attacks of 21 April.

The Commission’s statement further stated that “We are informed that access to such premises (such as kiosks in weekly village fairs) has been denied even though the occupants had duly registered with the Local Authorities and had paid due fees. Such discriminatory action amounts to a violation of Article 12 of the Constitution, which guarantees non-discrimination on the basis of religion and also equal protection of the law.

And since it is the function of the Commission to investigate and inquire into such allegations, please be good enough to submit a report to the Commission on information on any such complaints received and action taken by Local Authorities and whether you can be satisfied that citizens of all communities residing in your Province enjoy the right to engage in commercial activities without discrimination by Local Authorities.”

Ceylon Today

Jun 14, 2019

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