President Meets with All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU)

• Parliamentary Select Committee to Investigate Accountability for Muslim Cremation Recommendations during COVID-19.

• The rumours about the Sri Lankan government opening a new consulate in Jerusalem are false - President.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced that he will establish a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC), in consultation with other party leaders, to investigate the accountability of those who recommended the cremation of Muslims and other religious groups during the last COVID-19 outbreak.

The President made this statement in response to a request during a meeting held yesterday(27) with the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU). He visited the organization's headquarters in Maligawatta, Colombo, where he met with its President, Ash-Sheikh Mufti M I M Rizwe, and engaged in discussions with the Maulawi and the Executive Board.

Secretary General Ash Sheikh Arkam Nooramith, Treasurer Ash-Sheikh Dr. A. A. Ahmed Azwar, Vice President Ash-Sheikh H. Omardeen, Ash-Sheikh M. J. Abdul Khaliqe, Vice President Ash-Sheikh I. L. M. Hashim, and Vice President Ash-Sheikh A. L. M. Khaleel, along with other executive committee members attended the occasion. The Mawlawis extended their blessings for President Ranil Wickremesinghe's success in the upcoming presidential election.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe briefed the dignitaries on the country's economic recovery and future plans, stating that he is running in the upcoming presidential election to seek a mandate to continue his program.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe mentioned that after launching his election campaign, he met with the Mahanayake Theros and other religious leaders to seek their advice and guidance, reaffirming his commitment to treating all religions equally.

Expressing his views on the Palestinian issue, President Wickremesinghe stated that the Sri Lankan government’s stance on the Palestinian state remains unchanged, and he continues to support it.

Mawlawis informed the President about complaints regarding Israelis acquiring land and small hotels in the Southern Province on long-term leases for tourism purposes. In response, President Ranil Wickremesinghe assured that any potential harm would be promptly investigated.

Addressing a related query, the President clarified that the rumours of Sri Lanka opening a new consulate in Jerusalem are false, stating that Sri Lanka has maintained embassy services in Israel since 2000 to support Sri Lankans working there.

Former Ministers A.H.M. Fowzie, Faizar Mustapha, former Governor Azath Salley, and others were also present at the event.

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