Arjuna Ranatunga, the World Cup-winning cricket captain and politician from Sri Lanka, has addressed a letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan, who won Pakistan’s lone ODI World Cup in 1992, praising his government’s attempts to punish those responsible for the Sialkot disaster.
When a Sri Lankan national, Priyantha Kumara, was brutally killed and his body set on fire by a mob in Sialkot earlier this month on blasphemy claims, the nation was appalled and disgusted.
The shocking episode infuriated the country, with civil and military authorities calling it “horrific,” “shameful,” and “extrajudicial vigilantism.”
“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 behaviour 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.
Over 120 individuals have been arrested so far, including the major accused for their primary role in the Sialkot lynching incident.
