The Speaker of the 10th Parliament, Dr. Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala, Visits the Head Office of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU)

On November 26, 2024, the Speaker of the 10th Parliament of Sri Lanka, Dr. Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala, paid a visit to the head office of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU), the principal body of Islamic scholars in Sri Lanka. This visit was aimed at recognizing and appreciating the contributions of the Sri Lankan Muslim community. During his visit, he engaged in a cordial meeting with the executive committee members of the ACJU.

Representing the ACJU, the meeting was attended by the organization’s President, Secretary-General, Treasurer, Vice President, Deputy Secretary, and several members of the executive committee.

Introduction Presented to the Speaker

The Secretary-General of the ACJU, Ash-Sheikh M. Arkam Nooramith, provided an overview of the organization’s history and the current situation of Sri Lankan Muslims. He also elaborated on the various multi-disciplinary initiatives undertaken by the ACJU.

The Secretary-General highlighted the importance of the ACJU’s role as a non-political religious organization in promoting coexistence and fostering mutual understanding among the people of Sri Lanka.

Address by the ACJU President

The President of the ACJU, Mufti M.I.M. Rizwe, emphasized the following points in his address:

• The historical significance of the ACJU, established in 1924 at Bahjathul Ibrahimiya in Galle by senior Islamic scholars, and its evolution into a prominent religious institution celebrating its centenary.

• The organization’s key objectives, including promoting unity and coexistence in a pluralistic society and guiding the Muslim community based on Islamic principles.

• The necessity of justice, equality, and moral clarity in governance and politics from an Islamic perspective.

Publications Presented to the Speaker

The Speaker was presented with several notable publications, including:

• Islamic Jurisprudence: An International Perspective by C.G. Weeramanthri

• The ACJU’s Sinhala translation of the Quran

• Other publications such as Vivurutha Däsin Islam, Samaja Sanvada, and Don’t Be Extreme

• Manhaj (The ACJU’s positions and guidelines on religious matters for Sri Lankan Muslims).

Speaker’s Address

In his address, Dr. Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala remarked:

• That every ethnic community in Sri Lanka has the right to preserve and practice their religious and cultural identities.

• Quoting President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s address to Parliament, he reaffirmed efforts to promote unity and reconciliation in the country.

• He stressed the importance of avoiding divisive forces that propagate ethnic and religious extremism.

Conclusion of the Event

At the conclusion of the event, the Speaker was presented with the ACJU’s Sinhala Quran translation and other significant publications, marking the success of this meaningful interaction.