I am a Muslim, but my nationality is Sri Lankan

I am a Muslim, yes, but my nationality is Sri Lankan, which makes me a part of this country as much as any Sri Lankan who is a Buddhist, Hindu, or Christian.

I call this country my mother-land, my home. I belong here, and to no other country. I have many friends, who belong to different faiths, but who are all Sri Lankan like me.

But now there’s a feeling of discomfort that is slowly growing within me. It is only my non-Muslim friends who still leave some hope within me that all is not lost, that this is still my country. If not for them, how will I have control over feelings of hatred overtaking me?

Please let me be who I am. Let me follow my religion peacefully as other Sri Lankans follow theirs. I don’t mean to hurt anyone’s feelings or harm others. I don’t tread on others’ personal space. Please don’t tread on mine.

The Government has a responsibility to ensure that some Sri Lankans don’t walk over other Sri Lankans. That is every citizen’s right. The law should be equal for all, and our country will not prosper if all people don’t enjoy their rights.

I hope I am able to live my life without feeling uncomfortable when I step outside my home, open mail, read the newspapers or watch television. Just let me be me.

A Sri Lankan Muslim

- Asian Tribune -

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