COLOMBO, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan government on Monday urged all political parties to unite to overcome racial hatred, which was reported in some parts of the South Asian country.
Minister of Law and Order Sagala Ratnayaka told the parliament that political parties must not use incidents of racism for their political gain and must instead curb such issues.
"I call on all parties to unite and stop all forms of racism spreading in the country. It was racism that pushed us backwards but we must protect the peace which this country has earned," he said.
The minister also urged political parties to support the government's vision to develop the economy so that the people would benefit.
"We want to ensure that there is money in the people's hand. For that, opposition parties must not hinder our plans to strengthen the economy," he said.
Sri Lanka's cabinet, last week, noted attempts were being made to spread racial hatred in the country once again.
Media Minister Gayantha Karunathilaka said that some recent incidents had been brought to the notice of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and those incidents were being dealt with under the law.
Concerns had been raised this week over a spate of events with ominous portents for ethnic and religious harmony and reconciliation in Sri Lanka.
These include the increasing use of hate speech against minorities by protest groups, and widespread anti-minority hate speech on social media.
