Former World Cup winning cricket captain and politician Arjuna Ranatunga writes to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and commends Pakistan government for the diligent efforts to bring justice to the barbaric, violent crime committed against Priyantha Kumara Diyawadanage.
“The bond between our two nations have always been one of strength and solidarity. When Sri Lanka was once in despair, it was Pakistan that supported our soldiers, and in 1996, when other nations refused to come to Sri Lanka to partake in the Cricket World Cup due to the ongoing Civil War, Pakistan along with other Asian nations such as India stood by us and showed your support by coming to Sri Lanka with a collaborative Asian team. Similarly, and as a token of our gratitude for your continued support, Sri Lankan cricketers have continued to participate in tournaments when other nations have refused to do so due to safety concerns”.
‘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” – Arjuna Ranatunga Tweets.
Pakistan Police claimed to have arrested 18 more main suspects involved in the lynching of 49-year-old Sri Lankan factory manager Priyantha Kumara in Sialkot. The total number of suspects in custody has risen to 52.
Full Letter
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 have reiterated in the media over the past few days, such violent, vigilante behavior should be condemned vigorously. 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.
The bond between our two nations have always been one of strength and solidarity. When Sri Lanka was once in despair, it was Pakistan that supported our soldiers, and in 1996, when other nations refused to come to Sri Lanka to partake in the Cricket World Cup due to the ongoing Civil War, Pakistan along with other Asian nations such as India stood by us and showed your support by coming to Sri Lanka with a collaborative Asian team. Similarly, and as a token of our gratitude for your continued support, Sri Lankan cricketers have continued to participate in tournaments when other nations have refused to do so due to safety concerns.
You have always been unwavering in facing challenges whether it be on the cricket field or the political arena. Since you’ve become the Prime Minister of Pakistan, you have been carefully addressing some controversial issues in the country. In the same manner, I hope you will be able to teach the few misguided individuals within the Pakistani community to treat everyone with the same respect and dignity that all human beings deserve.
I would once again like to thank you for your efforts in finding all the individuals guilty of committing this horrendous crime and bringing them to justice. We Sri Lankans, as a nation, truly appreciate the sentiments you have expressed regarding the future of the Diyawadanage family, and all the contributions will go a long way in aiding Priyantha’s wife and children. Your continued support and the actions of Pakistanis will go a long way in helping the family heal from this traumatic experience.