For all those who love this country, the words of Dr Rhadika Coomaraswamy resound like a message of courage and peace…

(…) We can only recover if we unite across communities, religions and politics.

Many individuals in the Muslim community are engaging in introspection. But it is not only time for Muslim introspection. If we are going to call for introspection, we must ask everyone to do the exercise.

Before extremism came to our religions and communities, we inhabited each other’s religious spaces; we celebrated each other’s festivals and holidays. Thanks to my youth in Sri Lanka and my work for the United Nations I find solace and peace in all religious spaces.

There is fear, insecurity and a lot of ugliness out there that can only be defeated by our united, dedicated efforts. We have come out today in solidarity. I want to thank the organizers for their bravery and I am proud to be part of this moment. But it is only the very beginning. (…)

Groundviews / 5 May , 2019