Sri Lanka: Mourners call for justice for Sri Lankan man lynched in Pakistan

Hundreds in Sri Lanka attend the funeral of Priyantha Kumara Diyawadana, who was killed by a mob in Sialkot, Pakistan.

Mourners who gathered for the funeral of Priyantha Kumara Diyawadana, a Sri Lankan man lynched by a mob in Pakistan for alleged blasphemy, have urged the authorities in both South Asian nations to ensure justice for the victim.

Diyawadana’s body was taken to Polhena cemetery in Ganemulla, 25km (11 miles) from the Sri Lankan capital Colombo on Wednesday after Buddhist rites had been conducted.

On Friday, the 48-year-old was attacked by a mob and burned to death in Sialkot, Pakistan, where he worked as a factory manager. Workers at the factory had reportedly accused him of desecrating posters featuring the name of the Prophet Muhammad.

He is survived by his wife, Nilushi, and two sons, aged 14 and nine. Many leading politicians arrived at Diyawadana’s home in Ganemulla, along with Buddhist and Catholic leaders, to pay their respects. Some 400-500 people joined the funeral procession from Diyawadana’s home to the cemetery.

“I am just too shocked to say what I want from anyone now. My world has collapsed,” his wife Nilushi told agencies. “A lot of politicians came and offered help and said they were sorry for my loss.”

Manjula, a close relative who goes by one name, said the family expects the Pakistani authorities to punish those responsible.

“There may be diplomatic considerations but since we are friends [with Pakistan] more can be done,” he said when asked if he was satisfied with the response of the Sri Lankan government.

SOURCE: NEWS AGENCIES