No threat to Sri Lankans in Bangladesh

The External Affairs Ministry says there is no security threat to the Sri Lankan community including the university students in Chittagong following the recent attack on Buddhist Temples in Bangladesh.

A statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said that attention has been drawn to the recent incidents that took place in Bangladesh which have caused a sense of anxiety and grief among some sections of the Sri Lankan community both in Sri Lanka and in Bangladesh.

However based on a report provided? by Sri Lanka High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarath Weragoda? on the request of the Ministry of External Affairs, it has been noted that Sri Lankans in that country are safe.

The High Commission in Dhaka is constantly in touch with law enforcement authorities in Bangladesh so as to ensure the safety and security of Sri Lankans in Bangladesh.

The attack on several temples, pagodas and Buddhist dwellers in the Chittagong District Bangladesh sparked out from 29th September, causing panic among the Buddhist community living in the Chittagong District.

The latest reports indicate that about 15 temples and pagodas and about 100 houses of Buddhists living in the area had been set on fire.

Officials from the Police Diplomatic Security Divisions in Dhaka had informed? the Sri Lankan High Commission? that security in Chittagong and affected areas have been brought under control and also there is no security threat to the Sri Lankan Community including the University Students in Chittagong, the External Affairs Ministry said.

The Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Chittagong, Mr Kaizer Javed Ally also has made arrangements with relevant authorities to safeguard the interests of the Sri Lankan community there while the Police had strengthened security of the Chancery and the Residence of Sri Lanka.

The Government of Sri Lanka in close consultations with the Government of the People?s Republic of Bangladesh is constantly monitoring the situation in order to ensure the safety and well being of all Sri Lankans in Bangladesh. (Colombo Gazette)