U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives Alaina B. Teplitz issuing a statement said people’s religious beliefs should not be quashed due to challenges created by the COVID pandemic and called on the Sri Lankan authorities to respect the people’s rights and dignity.

The Ambassador reminded that UDHR Article 18, ratified by Sri Lanka in 1955, states that everyone has the right to manifest their religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance.

“COVID created global challenges, but it should not cost us our compassion and respect for one another’s beliefs. We stand with all families who’ve lost loved ones to this pandemic.”

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