Sri Lankan cricketer, Arjuna Ranatunga, writes a letter to PM Imran Khan praising Pakistan’s effort to punish the culprits of the Sialkot tragedy.
“Let me start by commending you and your government for the diligent efforts to bring justice to the barbaric, violent crime committed against Priyantha Kumara Diyawadanage. As you [PM Imran] have reiterated in the media over the past few days, such violent, vigilante behavior should be condemned vigorously,” the legendary cricketer wrote.
“Nevertheless, it is important that we all understand that these acts were carried out by a small portion of the population and that a whole nation should not be judged on the actions of a few, especially considering the longstanding relationship between our two nations,” he added.
“Thank you for all your efforts in bringing justice for the crime committed against Priyantha Kumara Diyawadanage, and for the continued support and commitment toward his family,” Ranatunga wrote on his Twitter handle.
Dear Hon. Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI,
Thank you for all your efforts in bringing justice for the crime committed against Priyantha Diyawadanage, and for the continued support and commitment toward his family.
Best Regards,
Your friend and colleague,
Arjuna pic.twitter.com/WwcvOWaIjK
— Arjuna Ranatunga (@ArjunaRanatunga) December 13, 2021
Read more: Hero of Sialkot makes nation proud by dedicating his award to Priyantha Kumara
The incident plunged the entire nation into extreme shock and anger. Demands were made by the nation to immediately arrest and punish the culprits. Police have so far arrested 120 people including the major suspect of the incident.
A disturbing video of a foreign factory manager being burned on the allegations of blasphemy in Sialkot, Pakistan circulated earlier this month. The foreign factory manager from Sri Lanka succumbed to his injuries.
Read more: Why punishing the Sialkot culprits in not enough?
The man was allegedly burnt alive by a factory employee. He was working in a sportswear manufacturing factory. Condemnation of the incident poured in from top leadership of the country and across the world. Sri Lankan cricketing fraternity had also demanded PM Imran Khan, himself a former cricketer, to immediately arrest the culprits and punish them. They also showed their confidence in the leadership of PM Imran Khan and his government that they will provide justice to the victim.