HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF SRI LANKA, Annual Report 2020 mankind in recent times after World War II. The statement further urged the people to act responsibly in protecting their own health as well as the health of all fellow citizens at this critical juncture. The Commission also extended its sincere gratitude to all the authorities, especially the healthcare professionals working tirelessly during the pandemic and assured the full cooperation of the Commission for all their efforts in fighting the pandemic. Further, the statement specifically noted that the pandemic situation is further aggravated by the development of anti-Muslim sentiments on social media as well as in the mainstream media, to the effect that the virus is likely to spread through the activities of the Muslim community. Regardless of the purpose or background of these irresponsible acts, the consequences could lead to ethnic or religious disharmony. The Commission emphasized that experiences here and abroad have clearly demonstrated that the spread of the virus cannot be traced to any one community or social class and therefore, we, as a civilized society, must unite all citizens and take responsibility collectively.  Public appeal to political parties/independent groups and candidates contesting the 2020 Parliamentary Election Drawing the attention of all candidates of political parties/independent groups contesting the 2020 Parliamentary Election to the Code of Conduct for contesting political parties/independent groups and candidates of the elections issued by the Election Commission by way of Gazette Extraordinary No. 2178/25 dated 03 June 2020, the Commission urged all political parties and candidates to abstain from hate speech. The Code of Conduct stipulates that any form of hate speech or action which threatens, insults, prejudices, or discriminates communities or social groups, especially women, persons with special needs or disabled, those of different sexual orientation and other religious or ethnic groups should be avoided. The Commission emphasized that violating the said provision is not only a violation of the Code of Conduct but also a violation of Article 12(1) of the Constitution which guarantees the right to equality and non-discrimination. The HRCSL also underscored the fact that candidates have a particular responsibility to ensure that the content of the Code of Conduct must be respected beyond the election period in order to ensure the spirit of democracy. 35