Muslims stood by the President – Faizer Nadira Gunatilleke

Sri Lanka thanks all Muslim countries which supported the country at the UNHRC sessions in Geneva by voting against the resolution and by abstaining from voting. President Mahinda Rajapaksa is a true and long time friend of Islamic nations, Technology and Research Deputy Minister Faizer Mustapha told the Daily News yesterday.

Mustapha said that 15 countries voted against the resolution and of these seven were Islamic nations. “There were Islamic nations among the countries which abstained from voting. President Mahinda Rajapaksa has been supporting Palestine for a long time and even before he became the President.

He is a true leader who does not think that might is right and always stands by what is right," the deputy minister said.

Mustapha said the friendship and relationship between Sri Lanka and Islamic nations has a long history that dates back to many centuries. "Muslim traders who visited Sri Lanka in ancient times for commercial purposes got married to Sri Lankan women. The relationship is very strong and linked socially, culturally and economically. We must thank China and Russia for standing by Sri Lanka proving a friend in need is truly a friend indeed," he said.

"The Sri Lankan Muslim community is silent and mind their own business. For the first time in Sri Lankan history, Muslims took to the streets to protect the motherland and fight against foreign interventions. They know that President Mahinda Rajapaksa always respects all religions and ethnicities and protects human rights. They took to the streets because of this," the deputy minister said