9 December 2024 08:53 am Views - 35
A high-level delegation from the National Shoora Council (NSC) met with Mr.Tilvin Silva, Secretary of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) on Friday at the JVP
headquarters in Battaramulla.
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 prioritizing solutions as recommended in the 27 point requests the NSC had made in its memorandum submitted to notable presidential candidates, including the NPP.
The delegation underscored the presence of skilled professionals, business leaders and experienced intellectuals within the Muslim community who could serve the country in all fields including, education, economics, and politics. They expressed the Council’s willingness to facilitate consultations with vital segments and organizations 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.
Mr. 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 emphasized the government’s commitment to respecting the distinct religious, linguistic, and cultural identities of all communities without interference.
The meeting was facilitated by Deputy Minister Sheikh Muneer Mulaffer at the request of the National Shoora Council. The delegation comprised the President of the National Shoora Council, 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.