Muslim Issues

By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan. The government conducted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before the resettlement of the displaced Muslims in Marichchikatti, Mannar and beyond, Minister of Economic Development, Basil Rajapaksa, told Ceylon Today. The minister's remarks contradict the assertion by the ultra-nationalist groups, Bodu Bala Sena, and Sinhala Ravaya, which have waged a campaign against the resettlement of Muslim IDPs …

There are many who sincerely enjoy winning the hearts and minds of the people and there are also some who care two hoots for hurting the feelings of the very same people.  Nelson Mandela said "A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination". In this connection, I recall joining a team, in my late teens, promoting …

Minister Rishad Badiutheen organised a media tour on Tuesday to brief the media about the charge that Muslim colonies were created in the Wilpattu Forest reserve.By Darshana Sanjeewa ​

Having acknowledged that ongoing religious tensions could destabilise the country, President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday announced the setting up of a special law enforcement unit to tackle the situation.   The president was responding to a query at a meeting with editors of national newspapers and representatives of the print and electronic media at Temple Trees yesterday. Turning towards IGP N.K. …

The Arab League on Thursday warned of serious consequences of a controversial Israeli plan, dubbed the Prawer plan, to destroy dozens of unrecognized Bedouin villages in Negev and evacuate tens of thousands of locals. "This plan contradicts substantially with efforts to provide an atmosphere conducive to the success of Palestinian-Israeli peace talks," the pan-Arab body's chief Nabil al-Arabi said in …

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 …