Sri Lanka has declared its support for a proposed resolution by Pakistan at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) condemning the Sweden government's decision to permit the burning of the Quran last month.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressed a gathering in the southwestern town of Ratnapura on July 11 and expressed that the Foreign Ministry should back the Pakistani resolution. The desecration of the Muslim holy book occurred on the first day of Eid al-Adha outside the Stockholm main mosque.

The protest was authorized by the police and drew widespread condemnation from countries across the world. Protests were held in Pakistan and the Swedish flag was burned in a rally in Islamabad. The local religious leaders in their addresses denounced the act and sought action against the culprit.

Addressing the gathering, President Wickremesinghe noted that religious freedom should not be hindered by the freedom of expression. He said that the West should not be allowed to restrain religious freedom in the name of freedom of expression.

He further stated that the UN human rights commissioner should have released a statement on the incident. Subsequently, Pakistan's Parliament passed a resolution to condemn the burning of the Quran.

The president's statements were welcomed by the gathering and were seen as a step towards protecting religious freedom. The incident highlighted the importance of religious freedom and freedom of expression in coexisting peacefully.

The desecration of the Quran was a violation of the religious freedom of millions of people across the world. The support expressed by Sri Lanka to Pakistan's resolution is a step towards maintaining religious freedom and ensuring the safety of all religious minorities.

The protection of religious freedom is essential for a peaceful society and the right to practice one's faith without interference is a fundamental human right.

The Sri Lankan government's stand against the burning of the Quran is a reminder of the importance of religious freedom and a reminder that such acts of desecration should not be tolerated in a civilised society.