Government guarantees the security and safety of Muslims

At a meeting held with the representatives of Muslim Council of Sri Lanka and All Ceylon Jamaithul Ulama, Government has clearly told them that the security and safety will be provided to the lives and properties of Muslims and assured that there is no anti-Muslim campaign unleashed by anyone in the country.

Representatives of Muslim Council of Sri Lanka Headed by Alhaj N.M. Ameen , All Ceylon Jamaithul Ulama led by Ash -Sheikh M.I.M. Rizvi Mufthi along with several other Muslim dignitaries including individuals and lawyers met on 19th February, Defense Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

The Muslim delegations discussed with Defense Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa of the threat emerging to their safety and security and also about the contentious issue of halal and non halal foods.

According to Alhaj N..M. Ameen of the Muslim Council of Sri Lanka, Defense Secretary has told them that he has already met with the Bodu Bala Sena leadership and has impressed on them the need to resolve these matters without going any further on a path of confrontation.

The Defense Secretary has also requested Muslims to accept this issue in similar spirit in order to find a good solution that will avoid any confrontation, conflict and unnecessarily multiplying problems, Alhaj N.M. Ameen said.

When speaking to Asian Tribune, Alhaj N.M. Ameen further said, that Defense Secretary also said that the main contentious issue is the subject - halal certification. He also said that if that is resolved then the Bodu Bala Sena has no other issues with Muslims.

Muslim Council of Sri Lanka Chairman said that for us the main point in the discussion was that the Bodu Bala Sena informing the Secretary of Defense that if the halal issue is resolved, the problem will be over and they have no other issues with Muslims.

Based on that information, Asian Tribune was told that All Ceylon Jamaithul Ulama has also explained their position to the Defense Secretary. It was reported that All Ceylon Jamaithul Ulama has said that they have heard that Bodu Bala Sena have no problem with Muslims consuming Halal certified foods, but their issue is about the non-availability in the market such products that does not have halal certification – the non-halal foods.

All Ceylon Jamaithul Ulama President said that if this is their position, we respect their right to have non-halal foods, as much as they respect us having halal certified foods. He continued saying "we recognize their right, the right of every non-Muslim to have non-halal products."

Then Defense Secretary said that issue is Muslims compelling them to buy halal products.

Then the Muslim side explained that they are not compelling anyone to buy halal certified products. They said that they don’t even compel Muslims.

Muslims delegation pointed out that they don’t manufacture any of those halal certified products. They told that they only certify those products as halal food. We have no issues with those people who are manufacturing those products making available non halal products in the market like the halal products at present available in the market.

Muslim delegations brought it to the notice that regarding the availability of non halal products, it has to be told to the manufacturers and make available non halal products in the market. It was pointed out that this is the simple solution to the issue and the companies producing food products have to do this. Then the markets will have all the options.

Asian Tribune learnt that Defense secretary has said that he will follow this up.

Asian Tribune also learnt that Cabinet sub-committee on Religious Harmony has invited All Ceylon Jamaithul Ulama for a discussion today and they have decided to accept the invitation for discussion.

- Asian Tribune -