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.