The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) has announced its full support for the hartal called by the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK), scheduled for tomorrow (18), in protest against the recent death of a 32-year-old man in Mullaitivu.
Issuing a statement, SLMC Secretary and MP Nizam Kariapper condemned the incident as a “brutal act” and accused the government of enabling impunity by failing to hold members of the armed forces accountable.
“This is yet another reminder of the deep crisis of law and order within the very forces that are tasked with protecting the public,” he said.
The SLMC also criticised the government’s decision to grant visa-free entry to tourists from Israel—many of whom, the party noted, may have links to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), a military force widely condemned for its actions in Gaza.
“At a time when our own citizens are facing violence and injustice at the hands of armed forces, this policy sends a deeply troubling message,” Kariapper added.
The party has called on Muslim communities across the North and East to join Monday’s hartal by closing businesses during the morning hours in a show of unity with the Tamil community.
“This united action will send a clear and powerful message that all communities, Tamil and Muslim alike, reject violence, oppose injustice, and will not remain silent,” the statement said.
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