The brutal bombing attacks in Sri Lanka have filled the world with sorrow and horror, and we send our deepest condolences to the victims, survivors and Sri Lankan community worldwide in solidarity. These attacks struck several hotels and churches, and the targeting of Christian worshippers as they gathered to mark Easter is an attack on the values shared by all faiths, and by people of good will everywhere. We cannot let this act of terrorism, coming on a weekend when both Christians and Jews are commemorating holy days, divide the global community in continuing to work toward peace and safety for all people. We must be unified in rejecting violence and extremism in all its forms.
Our Office of Student Life is reaching out to our students from Sri Lanka to offer support and the UW Counseling Center is always available to anyone who needs support – please take advantage of this resource if you need to talk. Faculty and staff in need of support can find it through UW Carelink.
Across the UW community, and wherever we find ourselves, let us remember to treat each other with kindness and respect and please be especially mindful of our Sri Lankan and Christian friends and neighbors in the wake of this tragedy.