Deputy Minister of Investment Promotion Faiszer Mustapha in an interview with spoke on the recent incidents relating to Muslim community and of the need to increase standards of Colombo. . .
Q How is the present situation in Aluthgama and Beruwala?
I was in Japan when the violence erupted. As soon as I returned, I went to Aluthgama straight from the airport. On June 14 I wrote to the IGP requesting him not to allow the procession to take place because I knew if it was allowed to proceed it could result in what it resulted in. Unfortunately they went ahead.
I have visited Aluthgama four times. While others were looking at the big picture, there were people who had lost properties worth Rs. 20/30 million. I always kept aloof from the media in what I did in Aluthgama because I think it’s our duty to be there for the people, when an incident of this nature occurs.
Q Muslim organisations have expressed concerns over people’s lives not yet returning to normalcy. Are the present efforts inadequate?
When an incident of this nature happens, it will take time for the scars to heal. Supposing you were living in a house peacefully and some mob attacks you based on ethnicity, obviously you are psychologically affected and people will have that fear for some time. It is up to the government, civil population and politicians to continuously give them the confidence to help them bring their lives back to normalcy.
Q You mentioned of your letter to the IGP requesting him to disallow the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) procession from taking place. What are your views on the manner in which law enforcement authorities handled the situation after the riots erupted?
I was in contact with the IGP Senior DIG Anura Senanayake on June 15. It was clear that the Police strength was not able to cope with the mob violence. It is not just Muslims - both communities have pointed their fingers at the Police. If law and order was strictly enforced these incidents would not have occurred. I generally don’t like to point my finger at anybody but you would have seen civil society members pointing the finger at the police saying no adequate strength.
Q Government has been accused of egging on the violence due to failure to enforce law and order during the Aluthgama incident. What are your views?
When an incident occurs and the strength is insufficient to tackle the situation, obviously people would point fingers. If the Police were not able to curtail that mob violence people would point the fingers at various quarters. Various interpretations were given over the inability to contain the mob violence immediately - some construed it as inaction. My comment is that the Police strength was inadequate to deal with the mob.
Q Justice Minister Rauff Hakeem himself has expressed concern over a possible fabrication of the post-mortem reports of the Aluthgama violence. What is the progress in uncovering the truth behind these claims?
I went for the funerals of those two victims. Although their JMO reports have concluded the cause of death as stab injuries, those who were around them claim they were shot. As the Justice Minister I assume Minister Hakeem would look into the concerns in addition to making the statement as it is under his purview. All quarters expect him to take action on the matter.
" If the Police were not able to curtail that mob violence people would point the fingers at various quarters. Various interpretations were given over the inability to contain the mob violence immediately - some construed it as inaction."
Q Accusations have been leveled at the rebuilding efforts, as attempts to cover up evidence given that at that point the area had not even been visited by the Government Analyst. What are your views?
Allegations have been leveled at all quarters. But there is also a need for people’s lives to return to normalcy. There were people living in decent accommodation who had lost everything overnight. In certain areas, it was more mob violence, arson and looting because the perpetrators had arrived in trucks, taken all the goods and then burnt the place. Those affected are anxious to get their lives back in order.
I know the Army got involved in rebuilding the damaged houses because there was a need for speedier efforts to be made with concern to helping those affected. But having said that, there is also a need to investigate and bring the wrongdoers to book.
Q Are you satisfied with the manner in which the investigations have proceeded?
I am hopeful that the investigations will be done expeditiously and the perpetrators will be brought before justice.
Q What are your views on the country statement made by Sri Lanka at the 27th UNHRC sessions concerning the events in Aluthgama?
I feel that is unfortunate that such a country statement was made when the President himself said he would appoint an independent inquiry to look into it. One community alone should not have been mentioned and if at all in my view, it was an incident that occurred between Sri Lankans. It is very unfortunate, when you give it an ethnic flavour. When you point a finger it takes away the secularism and all what Sri Lankans believe in.
Q Have you raised an objection within the government concerning this statement?
I have issued a statement that but we if we go to look into who is right and who is wrong, we are going backwards.
Q Do you believe enough is being done by the government to tackle the anti-Muslim sentiments circulating within the country?
We are a signatory to the ICCRP through which inciters of religious hatred are liable for a prison term up to ten years and it is not a bailable offense. We have a very good legal mechanism by in terms of Act no: 56 of 2007 and strict enforcement of that law would help curtail all such situations.
There is a collective responsibility which I feel that certain ministers have gone beyond. But I as a member of the government I express my views in keeping with the collective responsibility – if you stray from that norm it is not favourable for good governance.
There is quite a lot of anti-Muslim sentiments being expressed by a few individuals who are attempting to filter it down to every part of society. Recently, I saw a five year old holding a placard that read ‘apata halal epa’ (we don’t need Halal). I don’t think the child even understands Buddhism for him to know about Islam. Even children are being used as tools by certain groups to gain mileage for their campaigns.
It’s high time that civil society became vocal against it. They have a great responsibility and so does the media. Today, in the guise of news, media channels broadcast racist sentiments and consider them news. Media has a greater responsibility to have a blanket ban on those who profess racism.
Q Media reports quoting Indian intelligence services have warned of Islamic extremist groups operating on Sri Lankan soil. But the Defence Secretary has rejected these claims. What are your views on these reports?
The Defence Secretary has very clearly rejected these claims and the Sri Lankan intelligence would have a stronger idea of what happens in Sri Lanka. I for one would say there are no Islamic militant operations in Sri Lanka because Sri Lankan Muslims are peace loving people. Even though various attempts might be made by militant groups, Sri Lankan Muslims will not fall prey to them because they firmly believe that issues can be resolved through democratic means. Never have the Muslim political or social leadership or the youth in this country have viewed extremism as an alternative.
Q But those who have been accused of propagating anti-Muslim sentiments have not been brought before the law?
I believe in recent times certain steps have been taken but further steps need to be implemented. The ICCRP law definitely needs to be strictly enforced. This situation is very unfortunate and it saddens me as a Sri Lankan because we as a nation, only recently recovered from the 30- year long conflict. We have a legal mechanism to deal with any person or organisation that incites religious hatred. Civil society as a whole is hopeful that if law and order is enforced, Sri Lanka would be a better place to live.
"There is quite a lot of anti-Muslim sentiments being expressed by a few individuals who are attempting to filter it down to every part of society. Recently, I saw a five year old holding a placard that read ‘apata halal epa’ (we don’t need Halal)."
Q You spoke of a greater role for the civil society to play in promoting religious harmony. But now the government is being charged with restricting activities of civil society organisations?
With regard to NGOs, we all are aware of how certain individuals have funded the LTTE so we need to have a look at certain security concerns as well. We have to balance the interests if all parties and be mindful of whether these organisations could affect the sovereignty of the country.
Q Thawheed Jamat organisation had recently called upon all Muslim countries to ensure the protection of Sri Lankan Muslims. It was reported that defense establishments in Sri Lanka have viewed this statement as a direct call for foreign intervention. What of these calls that have been made?
We are a resilient nation and we are capable of solving our issues internally. They have articulated their view but as a member of the government I yet believe we can resolve our issues internally. There is no need to internationalise our issues. But I believe although Muslims have faced challenges recently because of atrocities committed against the Muslim community by certain individuals, no international intervention of any form is necessary.
Q You had recently stated that education and poverty levels in Colombo are far more severe than in any other district. What reasons do you think have contributed to this situation?
For those who live in villages, shelter and sanitation facilities are accessible in some basic form. But in Colombo, about 20/30 families live in about 450 sq. ft. with dire needs of sanitation. It is in this setting that I believe that Colombo’s poverty levels are higher than in villages. Education levels have also dropped due to the environment settings these communities live in. My electorate is Colombo central and a majority of these people are pavement hawkers or threewheel divers. They don’t see a light at the end of the tunnel and that is why I believe it is important to educate them in order for them to see the value of education.
Through my foundation I have started English classes for young mothers as well as English tuition classes in 1500 Sunday schools. I have also written to every school in Colombo and requested for a list of children who have achieved over 8As so that their education can be funded by foster fathers and mothers through a programme initiated by my foundation.
Q Beautification of Colombo has been criticised by various parties including the communities that are being relocated. Do you think it is fair to uproot these people from their ancestral residences before the rapid development of the city?
I have been involved with the Defence Secretary and have appeared for him in some of these cases. My only question here is, is it fair for these people to be allowed to live in the slums in the manner in which they are living? I don’t want people of Colombo to have such low living standards and particularly because the children in these communities need to live in a conducive environment, which allows them to continue their education. Recently, a little girl had written to the President on how their lives changed, how her father no longer drinks after they were moved to a new home. So a better home is not only a physical change it’s also a social change. It gives them hope.
Q But those who have been relocated complaint the new homes are not constructed up to standard?
When you relocate them they don’t know what they are in for until there is tangible access to their new homes. They would highlight their discomfort and I wouldn’t blame them. But the government believes this is done for their greater benefit.
Q Shouldn’t the programmes be better planned so that the communities being relocated don’t have to go through the discomforts upon losing their homes?
No I believe all these programmes are being properly planned. You need to take certain hard decisions if you need to empower these people. Short-term definitely there will be grievances, but once they receive the homes their mindset changes.
Pix by Pradeep Pathirana
