Local Issues

Several Muslim Parliamentarians are considering boycotting Parliament sessions if action is not taken to control the “terror” activities of the Bodu Bala Sena. Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen said that the proposal to boycott Parliament is still being discussed and a final decision has not been reached. The police have already summoned Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary, the Venerable …

Twelve Muslim organizations have jointly appealed to President Mahinda Rajapaksa to reign in the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), which was once again trying to revive communal disturbances by making false allegations with regard to the resettlement of Muslims who were driven out of the North by the LTTE in 1990.   The petition signed by the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama, …

Contrary to certain media reports that the recent meeting prominent Muslim personalities had with Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse was a sellout of the community, the truth is otherwise. As a participant I feel I am competent enough to comment on what really took place at the meeting rather than relying on hearsay as some of our media people have done. …

While the Colombo city beautification project continues, the government has turned its attention towards Bauddhaloka Mawatha and the residents around the proposed new Russian Embassy complex are facing eviction. The Sri Lankan Government has sold nine acres of prime land to the Russian Embassy, for its upcoming project, bordering Bauddhaloka Mawatha, in the most sought after location of the country. …

Lashing out at politicians for the present state of affairs in the country veteran Sinhala journalist Siri Ranasinghe urged them to abandon their short sighted and destructive communal and racist politics and help save the country. Known for his moderate views Siri Ranasinghe lamented that, despite   different races, religions, languages and cultures a minority member could become a president or prime …

Muslims appealed to President Mahinda Rajapkse Wednesday (06/11) to give leadership towards consolidating the unity and friendship amongst the religious communities in the country and to put an end to religious tensions being orchestrated by groups possibly on foreign pay roll. A delegation from the Sri Lanka Muslim Assembly (SLMA) met Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the President at the Presidential SecretariatWednesday morning and …