Washington, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) have introduced a resolution condemning the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka, offering sincere condolences to the victims, to their families and friends, and to the people and nation of Sri Lanka, and expressing solidarity and support for Sri Lanka.
“I join my colleagues in expressing our deepest sympathies to the people and nation of Sri Lanka, and all the families across the world who lost loved ones,” said Senator Risch. “The United States stands ready to support Sri Lanka as it heals from this tragedy. No person of faith should fear for his or her life in a place of worship, and the attacks in Sri Lanka remind us that Islamist terrorist groups remain a serious threat to foundational and universal rights, including freedom of religion. We must remain vigilant and work together in the face of this threat.”
“As Sri Lanka confronts the challenges made clear in the aftermath of the brutal church and hotel bombings against families, including children, gathered in churches and hotels on Easter Sunday, we in the U.S. Congress stand in solidarity and unity with them as the government conducts its investigation and finds the perpetrators of this heinous crime,” said Senator Menendez. “It’s important now more than ever that the Sri Lankan government work to ensure national unity and religious and ethnic harmony, and quickly respond to retaliatory attacks against those in the Muslim community. In that vein, I urge the government of Sri Lanka to ensure its investigation adheres to international standards, and that human rights are not violated under the Emergency Orders or by use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act.”
“Everyone should have the right to feel safe and secure in their place of worship,” said Senator Romney. “With this resolution, we condemn the heinous terrorist attacks that took place in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday and reaffirm our commitment to protecting religious freedom around the world.”
“We were all horrified and heartbroken at the loss of life in the recent attacks in Sri Lanka, where hundreds walked into church to celebrate Easter and were met with hate and violence,”said Senator Murphy. “These were mothers, fathers, grandparents and children – each one leaving behind a devastated family. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this resolution to stand with the people of Sri Lanka, and to send a powerful message from America that hate in any form will not be condoned.”