2019 anti-Muslim riots in Sri Lanka

The Sri Lankan anti-Muslim riots were a series of religiously motivated riots targeting Muslims in Sri Lanka. The riots originated as isolated incidents in the aftermath of the Easter bombings in the nation, beginning in Chilaw and subsequently spreading to much of the Northwestern Province.

Muslim citizens, mosques and other properties were attacked by mobs of Sinhala Buddhist nationalists, and at least one incident in which attacks were carried out by a Christian-majority mob. Only one death was reported, Saleem Ameer who was killed by a mob wielding swords. Other sources claimed 9 deaths, but the claims are unconfirmed. Other news agencies have reported that over 540 Muslim-owned houses and properties have been destroyed, in addition to upwards of 100 vehicles.

Similar to the anti-Muslim riots of 2018, locals in affected areas have noted the arrival of outsiders in buses to participate in the rioting, raising concerns that these attacks had been orchestrated beforehand.

On 3 June 2019, all Muslim cabinet ministers, state ministers, and deputy ministers, decided to resign from their positions. At the media briefing, Minister Rauff Hakeem stated that the decision was made to allow space for thorough and unhindered investigations of alleged terror links of politicians. The announcement was made during rapidly rising anti-Muslim sentiment, following recent incidents.

As of 6 June 2019, propagation of hate speech and fake news has been made a crime, liable of imprisonment not exceeding 5 years, a fine exceeding Rs. 1 million ($ 5,600), or both. The move was proposed by Ranjith Maddumabandara in his capacity as Acting Minister of Justice, and approved by the cabinet decision.