"In recent months, the pluralist character of our society has been strained by polarising forces.
"Instead of rebuilding inter-ethnic relations and inter-religious dialogue the Government and our political leaders have, through their commissions and omissions, contributed to their deterioration."
The group said an attack on a mosque in Dambulla in central Sri Lanka was a case in point.
"The police merely watched and failed to act as thugs disrupted Friday prayers, vandalising the Mosque and threatening to demolish it," the Friday Forum said.
"This clear demonstration of a breakdown of law and order, an issue of continuing concern, has met with silences and confusing messages from Government and public officials.
"Furthermore, the lack of broader citizens' initiatives, including of the clergy of all faiths to address the situation, have contributed to weakening the confidence of religious minorities."
Freedom comes from rule of just law, which does not discriminate. Rule of law is maintained by independent public officials.
Sri Lanka's public service was undermined by a 1972 constitution which abolished a civil service commission and broke the back of the institution of permanent secretaries. The remnants of the independence of the intuition were broken by a 1978 constitution.In 1983 authorities remained inactive while thousands of Tamil citizens were massacred by nationalist mobs though many were saved by individual unarmed citizens of other communities who hid their neighbors.
The group said the gunning down of two members of the Marxist-Nationalist JVP party, the killing of Bharatha Lakshaman, a ruling party member were serious lapses.
"There seems to be a pattern of justice delayed becoming justice denied," the Friday Forum said.
The disappearance of Prageeth Ekneligoda, a journalist critical of the ruling administration remains unaddressed. Former attorney general Mohan Pieris had made a statement in Geneva that the journalist was safe in a third country.
"Such irresponsible comments by high officials in international forums combined with ineffective law enforcement and judicial procedures have added to the culture of impunity that prevails in the country," the group said.
A minister Mervyn Silva had called for "attacking dissenting journalists and human rights defenders", the group said.
The Friday Forum said it had attempted to meet the Inspector General of Police (IGP) but have not been able to.
"We believe steps towards good governance, respect for the rule of law, peace with democracy and pluralism are a priority for our country at this moment," the group said.
"However, progress towards that goal will require an urgent sense of responsibility on the part of Government and the people."
