Ref: ACJU/NGS/2023/186
18th of September 2023
Dr. Rohan Gunaratna,
Dear Sir,
It is with great concern that we pen this letter regarding the above mentioned book which was recently launched.
A cursory glance through the pages of the book would reveal to a serious reader that most of the statements and claims made therein are not adequately substantiated or evidenced with concrete proof, not to mention the contradictions.
Amidst the confusion and lack of authoritative clarity, it is regretfully noted that several allegations have been levelled against ACJU. These allegations rightly falls into that lot of unsubstantiated statements, claims and assumptions.
We have specifically selected few areas as examples of such misinformation, distortion and misinterpretation of factual situations.
Initially we wish to categorically state that the mandate of the ACJU is of a religious institution and not that of the government nor a law enforcement authority.
- At page 60 of the book it is stated: ‘the ACJU reportedly did not regulate the religious space strategically or on a daily basis at the time’.
Here, it refers to a certain socio-religious practices which are peculiar to a given geography and ACJU is accused for the unsocial events that had taken place at a given period of time.
This country has a government and has a law enforcing authority. Such events come within the purview of the law enforcement authorities and not upon the ACJU. The ACJU has duly regulated religious space as is relevant and as per its mandate as a religious body.
- At page 203, reference is made to a meeting with the then Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, where the issue of increased radicalization was raised with the ACJU President Mufti M.I.M. Rizwe.
It is relevant to refer to the previous paragraph of this page where it is stated: ‘it did not seem like the Sirisena administration nor the Rajapaksa government possessed the sophistication- including the presence of specialists- necessary to adequately comprehend the gravity of the situation’.
It is observed that you have failed to recognize the difference between giving religious guidance and addressing the issue of radicalization. The latter is an area which demands specific knowledge, experience, expertise and the infrastructure all of which are not within capability and authority of the ACJU.
Moreover the book fails to demarcate functions, authority, duty and responsibility between religious body and that of a government. In several places it accuses the ACJU for not engaging with those who are fighting with each other, which is the responsibility of the police and the government.
If the ACJU has to be involved from a religious perspective, it is the government; authorities that should invite the ACJU to advise or intervene in such matters. The ACJU on its own cannot take the law into its hand.
- Page 191 states that: ‘Mufthi Rizwe could have helped the police to arrest Zahran’
Among the several false allegations and statements bordering on speculation is the above stated accusation.
It is surprising to note that this alleged accusation has been directed by your good-self despite the fact of you being well informed with evidence about the contribution of ACJU towards the guidance of the Muslim community, coexistence with fellow communities, and the principles of unity within the Muslim community and the country as a whole.
It is a well-known, undeniable fact that the ACJU and members representing the Muslim Civil Society met the former Defence Secretary Mr. Hemasiri Fernando in January 2019 and handed over evidence of hate speech of Zahran, appealing to take the necessary actions. Unfortunately, this appeal seemed to be overlooked by the authorities for some unknown reason.
As we have communicated to you at several instances regarding the ACJU efforts and the continuous engagement with the authorities and the community regarding national security, unity and peaceful coexistence.
The following are some examples of these:
- 03.06 – Let’s pray for unity and co-existence (Media Statement)
- 01.04 –The Duty of Religious leaders is to bring Peace & Unity (Media Statement)
- 03.20 – ACJU condemns the attacks on Buddhist Monks (Media Statement)
- 07.08 – Buddhagaya attack – Brutal and inhumane (Media Statement)
- 08.26 – ACJU Condemns attack in Egypt & Syria (Media Statement)
- 05.15 – Guidance during a turbulent situation (Media Statement)
- 06.10 – Seminar to encourage unity & coexistence among community
- 07.06 – ACJU President declared in SLBC address to Muslim Community that ISIS has nothing to do with Islam
- 09.04 – ACJU strongly condemns the activities of ISIS (Media Statement)
- 02.03 – ACJU Condemns the heinous murder of Japanese Journalists by ISIS (Media Statement)
- 07.23 – Joint Declaration by the Muslim Organization of Sri Lanka on ISIS
- 11.16 – ACJU Strongly condemn the inhumane attack in Paris (Media Statement)
- 11.11 – Joint Statement on hate speech
- 11.21 – Let’s pray for the prevalence of normality while upholding coexistence (Media Statement)
- 05.19 – Let’s pray for the prevalence of normality while upholding coexistence (Media Statement)
- 03.26 Condemnation of ACJU to the video of Zahran on Kandy incident (Media Statement)
- 12.26 – ACJU Strongly condemns the attack of Buddha Statues (Media Statement)
- 01.02 – Meeting with defense and handed over evidence regarding Zahran Hashim
- 04.21 – ACJU vehemently condemns attack in Christian churches (Media Statement)
- 04.25 – Support to Sunday Mass (Media Statement)
- 05.02 – Announcement with regard to the Bodies of the suicide bombers. (Media Statement)
Despite being fully aware of these circumstances, it is of great concern that your good-self had chosen to accuse the ACJU and its leadership with unsubstantiated, misleading and distorted views.
We kindly request you to revisit the contents of this book and revise the incorrect views and republish with accurate substantial facts and ensure that the true message is conveyed.
Regards,
Ash Shaikh M. Arkam Nooramith
General Secretary
