Inside Story

What is triggering communal violence in Sri Lanka?

Muslims say they are being systematically targeted by the Sinhalese Buddhist majority.

A nationwide state of emergency is being enforced in Sri Lanka to prevent attacks on Muslims. Buddhist mobs set fire to homes and businesses, killing a young Muslim.

The riots followed the death of a Sinhalese truck driver.

The unrest is a repeat of rioting four years ago, and, since then, there has been rising tension between communities.

A varied mix of ethnicities and religions make their home on the island, where a 26-year-long civil war ended in 2009.

What will it take to end the recurrent religious friction, long-term?

Presenter: Richelle Carey

Guests:

Thyagi Ruwanpathirana legal adviser and human rights activist

Gehan Gunatilleke Legal Director, Verite Research in Sri Lanka

Alan Keenan Senior Analyst and Sri Lanka Project Director, International Crisis Group