<span style="color: #222222;">Sri Lanka has accused a UN rapporteur of unfair statement regarding freedom of religion or belief in the country following the Easter Sunday attacks. Sri Lanka said that it took note of the report of Mr. Ahmed Shaheed, Special rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief following his visit to Sri Lanka from 15 to 26 August last year, which was presented to the UN Human Rights Council yesterday. Sri Lanka informed the council that it received the Special rapporteur, barely 4 months after Easter attacks by certain local groups inspired by ISIS, which killed over 250 people including 45 foreigners. It said the attacks reminded that there is a common adversary in terrorism, radicalization and extremism, which is a global threat.<br />''<br />''Sri Lanka said it was regrettable that the SR report has sought to portray criminal investigations conducted to prevent acts of terrorism, as an endeavor to violate the freedom of religion or belief. It mentioned that with regard to references to restrictions on dress code, it was a temporary measure under the emergency regulations aimed at preventing concealing of identity, in view of the imminent security threat at the time. Sri Lanka had imposed a ban on burqa and veils after the attacks but it was lifted a few months later.</span><br />