2014 anti-Muslim riots in Sri Lanka
The 2014 anti-Muslim riots in Sri Lanka were religious and ethnic riots in June 2014 in south-western Sri Lanka. Muslims and their property were attacked by Sinhalese Buddhists in the towns of Aluthgama, Beruwala and Dharga Town in Kalutara District. At least four people were killed and 80 injured. Hundreds were made homeless following attacks on homes, shops, factories, mosques and a nursery. 10,000 people (8,000 Muslims and 2,000 Sinhalese) were displaced by the riots. The riots followed rallies by Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), a hard line Buddhist group. The BBS was widely blamed for inciting the riots but it has denied responsibility. The mainstream media in Sri Lanka censored news about the riots following orders from the Sri Lankan government.
| Anti-Muslim Riots in Sri Lanka | |
|---|---|
| Location | Kalutara District, Sri Lanka |
| Date | 15 June 2014- 17 June 2014 |
| Target | primarily Muslim civilians |
| Weapons | Guns, sticks, knives, Molotov cocktails, swords and stones |
| Deaths | 4 |
| Injured | 80 |
| Victims | 10,000 |
| Perpetrators | Sinhala Buddhist nationalist groups: mainly Bodu Bala Sena |