Dear Brothers and Sisters of all faiths in Sri Lanka,

The Australian Sangha Association express our horror and sorrow at the multiple attacks
perpetrated on members of the Christian community, Sri Lankans of many faiths, and
tourists, across Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.

The Australian Sangha Association is the representative body for all ordained clergy (monks & nuns) living in Australia. We condemn this attack on innocent people whether worshipping at a religious institution; going about their business; or as visitors to your beautiful country.

All people, no matter where they are in the world, should be able to worship in peace and security in their places of worship in accordance with their beliefs, as well as have safe passage and protection as secular visitors.

We express our deepest sympathy to members of the churches affected and to all religious communities in Sri Lanka. Our prayers are with the victims who lost their lives in the churches, hotels and elsewhere, those injured in the attack, and their families.

We all aspire towards a world that enjoys and celebrates religious diversity and provides an example of fairness, tolerance and inter-communal harmony and cooperation. Attacks such as this will only strengthen our resolve to work together for understanding and peace, in Australia and throughout the world.

Respectfully,
Venerable BomHyon Sunim
(Chairperson)
Australian Sangha Association