Reaffirms commitment to National Unity
A high-level delegation from the National Shoora Council (NSC) met with Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Secretary Tilvin Silva on Friday(6) at the JVP headquarters in Battaramulla, and initiated discussions on matters of mutual cooperation and concerns on national and community issues.
The delegation comprised NSC President Ash Sheikh S.H.M. Faleel, NSC General Secretary Attorney-at-Law Rasheed M. Imthiyaz, President’s Counsel and former MP M.M. Zuhair, former President of NSC, Attorney-at-Law T.K. Azoor and NSC Vice President, former Ambassador, Senior Attorney-at-Law Javid Yusuf. NPP’s National Executive and Steering Committee member Ash Sheikh I.N. Ikram also participated in the meeting.
The NSC delegation assured the community’s support to addressing on a priority basis the economic hardships suffered by the Sri Lankan people and stressed the need for prioritising solutions as recommended in the 27-point requests the NSC had made in its memorandum submitted to notable Presidential candidates, including the NPP.
Leveraging Expertise in the Muslim Community: The delegation underscored the presence of skilled professionals, business leaders and experienced intellectuals within the Muslim community, who could serve the country in all field, including education, economics, and politics.
They expressed the Council’s willingness to facilitate consultations with vital segments and organisations within the community for the country’s progress, as well as to resolve the specific concerns of the community.
The delegation highlighted the deepening concerns in the Muslim community regarding the absence of Muslim representation in the key National decision-making body, namely the Cabinet. They pointed out that this has become the subject of critical evaluation within the community, and needs to be addressed.
Noting that over 2 million Sri Lankans are employed in Arab and Islamic countries, contributing more than 85% of LKR 6 billion annually in foreign remittances, the delegation stressed the importance of maintaining strong relationships with these nations. They called for efforts to attract investment from these countries to support Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.
The delegation reaffirmed the Muslim community’s unwavering commitment to national unity and territorial integrity. They highlighted the suffering endured by Muslims in the Northern and Eastern Provinces due to ethnic conflicts and noted that Muslims have never supported separatist movements.
They emphasised the importance of addressing issues affecting displaced Muslims still living in camps.
The delegation noted the government’s concerns in tackling racism and pointed out that these issues must be resolved through education, dialogue and reconciliation and not by introducing tougher laws.
The Council outlined its objectives, structure and past activities, recalling a 27-point proposal submitted to the NPP before the presidential election.
They expressed readiness for further dialogue on these proposals. A file containing a copy of the proposal, together with a congratulatory message sent to Anura Kumara Dissanayake upon his election as President, and an introductory document about the NSC was handed over to Tilvin Silva.
The delegation highlighted their past peace building efforts, particularly the close collaboration of Deputy Minister Sheikh Muneer Mulaffer with the NSC on interfaith harmony projects. They reiterated their willingness to continue such initiatives in the future.
Tilvin Silva assured the delegation that the current NPP Government does not operate on ethnic lines and firmly opposes racism. He referenced to the recent arrests of individuals involved in inciting racial hatred as evidence of the Government’s stance.
He emphasised the Government’s commitment to respecting the distinct religious, linguistic and cultural identities of all communities, without interference. He noted the significant support received by the NPP across all communities in the last election, including the victories in areas such as Vanni, Jaffna and in the East, and votes for Muslim candidates from non-Muslim voters and vice versa.
This, he said, reflects a positive shift in the public mindset. Mr. Silva recalled his past interactions with NSC members and expressed his readiness to maintain ongoing discussions. The meeting was facilitated by Deputy Minister Sheikh Muneer Mulaffer at the request of the NSC.
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