The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah

¶ 01 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

¶ 02 Hon. Speaker, under Standing Order 27(2), I raise for the attention of the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs:

¶ 03 By a 2020 instruction from the Secretary to the Ministry, the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs stopped registering madrasas and Arabic colleges. Meanwhile, Pirivena under the Department of Buddhist Affairs, Hindu Dhamma Schools under the Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, and Missionary Schools under the Department of Christian Religious Affairs have been registered smoothly for years.

¶ 04 Because registration of Arabic colleges and madrasas has been halted, our community faces educational, social and administrative difficulties: students’ certificates lack state recognition, affecting higher studies, employment and overseas education; teachers and administrators face problems; unregistered status causes banking, funding, and legal/administrative complications for domestic and foreign donations.

¶ 05 These institutions teach moral values and social guidance; suspension creates gaps and mistrust. Continuing the suspension is a grave injustice to the Muslim community.

¶ 06 We highly respect the Minister and Deputy Minister, and seek swift resumption of registration or clear guidance.

¶ 07 Questions: 1. Can the Minister facilitate granting approval to register madrasas and Arabic colleges? 2. What steps have been taken to grant such approval?