The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir

¶ 01 As soon as I start speaking, you say my time is over.

¶ 02 When we speak of public security, I think of police stations. We see that even for a simple complaint, the officers who go to the police station can end up being treated like offenders. Because of this, genuinely affected people are unable to go to police stations and make complaints. Hundreds who come to lodge complaints are kept there and recorded one by one. This must change, because it concerns public safety.

¶ 03 The Muslim community in this country will celebrate Eid al-Adha (Hajj Festival) on the 28th of this month. Eid al-Adha is the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience and sacrifices. It is obligatory for us to offer Qurbani over the three days following Eid al-Adha. There are many benefits from Qurbani: we slaughter sheep, cattle, or camels and distribute the meat among the poor.

¶ 04 This year, Vesak coincides closely with Eid al-Adha, and when animals are sacrificed for Qurbani, there could be tensions between communities. Similar incidents occurred under previous administrations. Therefore, we request the Government to handle this matter very prudently. Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah and Vesak is on the 14th, as I understand. Please facilitate Qurbani for Muslims within the four intervening days — the 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th — so that it can be performed without issues.

¶ 05 We are also witnessing attempts to rekindle racism. Udaya Gammanpila is spreading the rumour that 300 Islamic extremists trained by Zahran Hashim have come out and are targeting the Sri Dalada Maligawa and other “pansalas.” What legal action has this Government taken against him? In Colombo, a person was arrested under the ICCPR Act merely for sticking an ordinary sticker. What action will the Government take against those planning to provoke communal discord again? We also see the “Rawaya” organization, like Gnanasara Thera in the past, stirring trouble against Muslims.

¶ 06 The Hon. President repeatedly says this Government is free of racism and that all ethnicities should live according to their faiths. Prove it by ensuring that the Qurbani following the forthcoming Eid al-Adha proceeds without any problems. I request appropriate action. Thank you.