Chairman of the All Ceylon Jamiyathul Ullama, Rizwie Mufthi speaking at the press conference, where the ACJU suggested that the government take over the entire Halal certification process and appealed to the government to develop a mechanism acceptable to all stakeholders.

Take over Halal certification – ACJU to Govt.

The All Ceylon Jamiyathul Ulama (ACJU), while categorically rejecting the “baseless allegations of raising funds for dubious purposes,” suggested that the government take over the Halal certification process and provide a mechanism acceptable to all. Reading a statement at a packed media briefing held in Colombo yesterday, the chairman of the organisation RIzwie Mufthi said that the ACJU had taken this decision in order to avoid the “continuous debate on this sensitive issue which could threaten the peaceful coexistence of the people.”

“As an organisation which has been in existence for more than 87 years, committed to the peaceful coexistence of the communities, the ACJU reiterates its commitment to maintain peace, harmony and the peaceful coexistence of the different races,” he said.

Answering a plethora of questions posed by journalists, the secretary of the Halal Division Moulavi Mufthi Mulafer said the ACJU had initially attempted to hand over the Halal certification process to the government,.“There was even a gazette notification in this regard. But for some reason or the other this did not materialise. We continued to give the certificates and only when this whole issue, filled with misconception, was brought out that we decided to suggest this alternative” he said.

The ACJU further said the government could model the Halal certification process on the systems used in Singapore and Thailand.