on ethnic or religious grounds. In line with the recommendations, the Government has granted compensation to places of religious worship and is also rebuilding those places of worship of all religions that were destroyed during the conflict period. We are mindful of the many challenges in creating an integrally pluralistic society after a three decade long conflict that had taken its toll on the population of an entire country. Existing provisions in the Penal Code and the ICCPR Act criminalise hate speech and steps are underway to further strengthen the law against hate speech through a new amendment. Under the proposed amendment, any person who by words either spoken or intended to be read or by signs or by visible representations or otherwise causes • or intends to cause commission of acts of violence or religious, racial or communal disharmony or feeling of ill-will or hostility between different communities or racial or religious groups will be guilty of an Offence. In conclusion, Madam, .my delegation wishes to express its appreciation to the Independent Expert for guiding the work of this Forum. We remain hopeful that the deliberations and outcomes of this Forum will further contribute to the improvement of the situation of minorities worldwide. . Thank you.