Condemn Sri Lanka Terror Attacks

Senate Resolution No. 1294 BY: Senator TEDISCO CONDEMNING the ruthless acts of terrorism in Sri Lanka, and mourning the tragic loss of life and injury to its Christian community on Easter Sunday WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to condemn the ruthless acts of terrorism in Sri Lanka, and to mourn the tragic loss of life and injury to its Christian community; and WHEREAS, On Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019, bombs tore apart three churches, one in Sri Lanka's Capital City of Colombo, and two others in the cities of Negombo and Batticaloa; and WHEREAS, Four hotels in Colombo were also attacked: the Shangri-La, the Cinnamon Grand, the Tropical Inn and the Kingsbury; there was another explosion at a housing complex in Dematagoda; and WHEREAS, At least nine bombs were detonated through churches and hotels killing over 300 people, and leaving more than 500 others wounded; and WHEREAS, Sri Lanka is a religiously diverse country of about 20 million people, containing Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians, all of whom assume an expectation of freely practicing their religion and observing their holiest of days in peace; and WHEREAS, Over the past decade, the people of Sri Lanka have lived in relative peace and free of conflict following a 26-year long civil war between its Sinhala Buddhist majority and minority Tamil Tiger ethnic group; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body, representing the people of the State of New York, will never condone any form of religious persecution or bigotry; and WHEREAS, This great Empire State is made up of thousands of citizens who identify themselves as Christian, a community made up of many diverse beliefs and cultures, and both immigrants and native-born New Yorkers; and WHEREAS, New York has always provided a safe harbor for people fleeing persecution and threat; hateful and intolerant acts against members of any religious community, are contrary to New York State's values of acceptance, welcoming, and fellowship with those of all faiths, beliefs, and cultures; and WHEREAS, The people of the State of New York stand steadfast in their solidarity with Sri Lanka's Christian community, its entire citizenry, and resolute Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, all of whom mourn this senseless act of terrorism, and vow to always keep the memories of their loved ones in their hearts; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to condemn the ruthless acts of terrorism in Sri Lanka, and to mourn the tragic loss of life and injury to its Christian community; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Christian community of Sri Lanka.