Five Muslim ministers issued a joint statement in Parliament on Thursday (10) condemning the recent propaganda activities alleging that terrorism and extremism existed within the Muslim community in Sri Lanka.
The ministers included Leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) and Minister of Justice Rauff Hakeem, Minister of Urban Affairs A.H.M. Fowzie, Leader of All Ceylon Makkal Congress and Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Productivity Promotion Basheer Segu Dawood, Minister of Local Governments and Provincial Councils A.L.M. Athaullah.
The joint statement by the ministers claimed that Muslims had been recuperating from the racially motivated attacks carried out against it and such allegations were like rubbing salt to the wounds.
The ministers further detested the idea that an arrest made in India of a person of Sri Lankan origin for the reason of espionage had inspired the allegations.
They said the Muslim community had lived in peace and harmony for centuries, contributing to the unity and territorial integrity of the country. They also requested that national authorities uphold the rule of law without permitting any further damage to the Muslim community. The ministers also promised to assist in any process to strengthen national unity, create a violence free society, achieve progress and prosperity and enhance communal harmony.
Leader of All Ceylon Makkal Congress