Local Issues

At a time when calls for reforming the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act (MMDA) are getting stronger, we find a devious move to scuttle the reform process altogether by some UK-based bigots obsessed with depriving our Muslim women here of a basic human right. One such is the so-called ‘Strengthen MMDA’ movement and their mouthpiece, a woman going by the …

The Government’s proposals to reform the provisions of the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act 9 of 1951 (MMDA) by abolishing the Quazi courts has given rise to a loud outcry in the Muslim community. The MMDA is a piece of legislation that relates only to Muslims and does not in any way harm or adversely affects other communities in the …

This refers to the article titled “MMDA: Will The Cabinet Blink?” written by Mr. Ameer Faaiz which appeared in Colombo Telegraph on 23/08/2021.  In the greater interest of (1) the rights of Muslim women, men and children (2) the continuation of the Sri Lankan heritage of legal pluralism and (3) the uniquely diverse ethno-religious-cultural composition, the cabinet may be cautioned against injudiciously …

A total of 31 corpses of COVID-19 victims have been so far buried in the Ottamavadi area, Batticaloa, Army Commander General Shavendra Silva said. He said the toll increased to 31 with seven more bodies of COVID-19 victims being buried today. The burial of COVID-19 victims commenced on March 05 in Sri Lanka at Ottamavadi in the Eastern Province.

The circular containing the guidelines with regard to the burial of COVID-19 victims has been issued, the Health Ministry said. Some key guidelines are as follows, The relatives of the deceased should inform the Director/ Head of the health care institution (Where the death has occurred) of their desire to bury the corpse without delay.The Director of the hospital/ Head …