Skip to main content

ITF statement on the terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka

news 22 Apr 2019

“Our thoughts and prayers first and foremost are with the people of Sri Lanka and the relatives and friends of the victims – the ITF family stands with you,” said ITF general secretary Stephen Cotton.

“We condemn these vicious acts that have taken the lives of hundreds of people and injured many more. This is another dark day as once again we've seen an attempt to terrorise innocent people.

“This is an attack not just on Sri Lanka, this is an attack on all of humanity and the universal values of peace, tolerance and democracy that we share," said Mr Cotton.

ITF President Paddy Crumlin also conveyed his sympathies today: “To all of our sisters, brothers and affiliate unions in Sri Lanka, today we cry and mourn with you. These incomprehensible attacks fill us all with deep sorrow.

“But we are reminded again that acts like this only strengthen our resolve for unity and solidarity. Now is a time for workers around the world to unite, hatred will never overpower solidarity and compassion. In the face of this tragedy we will not allow this heinous act to divide us.

“There can be no dignity and decency in the world if there’s not peace. It is our determination as a global trade union movement to continue to stand together, to fight the rise of any form of extremism, and push for global peace and reconciliation,” said Mr Crumlin.

Post new comment

Restricted HTML

  • Allowed HTML tags: <a href hreflang> <em> <strong> <cite> <blockquote cite> <code> <ul type> <ol start type> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <h2 id> <h3 id> <h4 id> <h5 id> <h6 id>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.

ON THE GROUND