Business

A ‘timely and courageous book’ that is also ‘a call to conscience’

Published

9 months ago

2025/07/22

Western Province Governor Haniff Yusuf (R) and writer Luqman Harees.

Western Province Governor Haniff Yusuf delivered a compelling speech at the launch of Muslims in the Dock, the latest work by author and human rights advocate Luqman Harees, on Sunday evening at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute.

Governor Yusuf described the book as “timely and courageous,” noting that Muslims in the Dock was more than a literary work—it was a mirror held up to society, a “political action” and “a call to conscience.” His remarks framed the book as a vital reckoning with the ways in which Islamophobia, both globally and locally, continues to shape and scar societies.

“This book is more than a personal reflection,” he said. “It is also a political action. And in many ways, a social reckoning for all of us. But above all, it is a call to conscience.”

n his speech, Governor Yusuf did not shy away from confronting the realities of Sri Lanka’s own troubled history with communal division and scapegoating. Drawing parallels between international Islamophobia and domestic episodes of ethnic violence, he reminded the audience that the marginalisation of Muslims in the post-9/11 world has echoes in Sri Lanka’s own past.

“We in Sri Lanka know too well how hatred can be demonised,” he said. “We saw it in 1983 when it was the Tamil community that was put in a dock. We saw it in Aluthgama. We saw it in Digana.”

He added that after the Easter Sunday attacks, “a group was hijacked and redirected to justify suspicion, violence, and exclusion of our Muslim community.”

Governor Yusuf warned that when identity is politicised and fear becomes policy, the resulting marginalisation “corrodes our sense of common humanity.” He said that societies that rely on suspicion and fear for governance are ultimately unstable and unsafe for all—not just for the minorities targeted.

Quoting Justice Salim Marsoof, who also spoke at the launch, Governor Yusuf observed that “the Muslim identity has been framed as a threat to societal harmony and used in full division for the political and economic gain of a few.”

“But this isn’t just a Western story,” he stressed. “This is our story too.”

Islamophobia, he said, is not a fringe idea—it is industrial, it is systemic, and it is global. Muslims in the Dock, he said, makes this clear with “meticulous research, grounded insight and moral clarity.”

“Br. Luqman has exposed the structural and psychological dimensions of Islamophobia while offering a mirror to all societies. He writes not only to defend Muslims, but to defend the very principles of democracy, dignity, and peaceful coexistence.”

In perhaps the most powerful segment of his address, Governor Yusuf moved beyond critique and into a vision for hope and national renewal. He reminded the audience of the Sri Lankan Constitution’s promise to secure liberty, equality, and justice for all, and said these are not “lofty ideas,” but sacred promises.

“And yet,” he said, “too often in our nation’s history, we have failed to live up to these promises. We have let politics trump principles. We have allowed fear to dictate policy.”

He called for a cultural and political shift—one that moves beyond mere tolerance to active solidarity. “Our goal should not only be to simply tolerate each other, but to uplift each other,” he said. “We must see our diversity not as a threat, but as strength—not a fracture, but a foundation.”

Governor Yusuf outlined four key steps to dismantling bigotry and building inclusive communities:

1. Speak Truth – “Call out hate wherever it hides, even when it is inconvenient and unpopular.”

2. Educate for Empathy – Invest in education that teaches critical thinking and compassion.

3. Build Solidarity – Go beyond ethnic and religious lines to connect across all margins where people feel unseen or unsafe.

4. Never Lose Hope – Even in the face of violence and prejudice, cling to the belief that justice and compassion can prevail.

Quoting Rumi, he ended with a poetic call for action: “The world is a place where life enters you.” He urged that Muslims in the Dock become the “light that enters our national conversation.”

“Let us be the generation,” he concluded, “that truly gets to know one another. For in knowing, we see. And in seeing, we hear.”

Muslims in the Dock by Luqman Harees is a sweeping and scholarly response to the rise of global Islamophobia. With over 900 references, it unpacks how a mixture of media distortion, political opportunism, and historical prejudice have converged to vilify Muslims. Yet, as Governor Yusuf and others at the launch made clear, the book is not just about Islam—it is about the shared human struggle for dignity, justice, and belonging.

By Ifham Nizam

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Business

Low-floor buses launched to boost accessible public transport for differently-abled

Published

23 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

A new low-floor bus service that gives priority to persons with disabilities and special needs was launched last Tuesday (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Center (MMC).

The service was inaugurated under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake.

Accordingly, ten specially designed low-floor buses have been introduced into the transport service today. These buses are specially designed so that wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers and also expectant women can board the bus with ease, the Transport Ministry said.

Each bus has 30 passenger seats and separate seating areas have been allocated for passengers using wheelchairs.

The pilot project operates on routes from Makumbura to Colombo Fort and from Makumbura to Kadawatha. These routes also cover major hospitals including the Colombo National Hospital and the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.

Speaking at the event, Subject Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that while these buses prioritize the differently-abled community, they will also provide a comfortable and reliable transport service for all passengers.

He also noted that 122 low-floor buses are planned to be introduced into service before the end of this year, and that in the future the service will be expanded to areas such as Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and Jaffna.

Business

Nestlé Lanka Announces Change in Leadership

Published

24 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Nestlé Lanka Limited has announced the appointment of Manav Sahni as its Chairman and Managing Director effective 01 May 2026. He will be succeeding Bernie Stefan, who will be transitioning to a new global role within the Nestlé Group. Bernie Stefan led Nestlé’s Sri Lankan operations through a particularly challenging time since 2023 – and has successfully guided the company through a strategic turnaround, positioning it on a axis for sustainable growth.

Speaking on his tenure at Nestlé Lanka, Bernie commented “Leading Nestlé Lanka has been a deeply meaningful chapter in my Nestlé journey. I am grateful to have worked alongside an amazing and resilient team that continues to make a difference for Sri Lankans across the country. On a personal note, it was an amazing opportunity to live on this beautiful island and experience firsthand the openness, warmth and kindness of its people, which has been the highlight of my Nestlé career to date. As Nestlé Lanka marks 120 years of enriching Sri Lankan lives, it is especially humbling to reflect on the role we have played in building on this legacy – positively touching individuals and families, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing our sustainability commitments. I am thankful to my colleagues, partners and stakeholders for their collaboration and trust, and to the wider business community, including through my role as a Board Member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, for the opportunity to reinforce Nestlé’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. I leave very confident in the strength of the team and the journey that lies ahead.”

Manav Sahni brings with him over 18 years of experience in the FMCG & Telecom sector. Prior to taking on the role as Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, he has been heading Nestlé’s Dairy business for the South Asia Region, where he expertly managed a highly diverse portfolio, driving sustainable business transformation.

“I am thrilled to take on the role of Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka at such a pivotal moment in its journey. Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan households for generations, and I am excited to work with the team to continue delighting consumers with tasty and nutritious products, while strengthening the positive impact we create through our brands and initiatives.”

Business

Majestic Cineplex Returns Bigger Better and More Immersive

Published

24 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Ceylon Theatres will unveil the newly revamped Majestic Cineplex on the 29th of April 2026, beginning a new chapter for one of Sri Lanka’s best known cinema destinations. Located at Majestic City Colombo, Majestic Cineplex returns with major technology upgrades, enhanced comfort, and a range of premium viewing options, reinforcing Ceylon Theatres’ long standing reputation for raising the bar in cinema entertainment experiences in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the upgraded Cineplex will be completely open to the public from 29th April 2026 onwards.

For generations of moviegoers, Majestic Cineplex has been a landmark venue in Colombo, and its latest transformation brings together the nostalgia of a familiar name with the excitement of a modern cinema experience. Leading the new screen line up is Majestic Platinum, which introduces Sri Lanka’s first and only digital LED cinema screen. Designed to deliver sharper visuals, deeper contrast, richer colour, and outstanding clarity, the auditorium features a 3D 4K Tricorne LED Cinema Screen together with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Majestic Platinum offers 226 seats, including 18 VIP recliner seats for those chasing a premium cinema experience.

The cineplex also features three additional theatres, each designed to offer a high quality movie experience. Majestic Superior includes Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, and 7.1 surround sound, with seating for 150 patrons. Majestic Ultra features the same advanced projection and audio systems with 149 seats. Majestic Gold offers a more private luxury setting with Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, DTSX surround sound, and 30 leather recliner seats, ideal for those looking for the most premium and exclusive experience.

Patrons can also enjoy an upgraded café experience with freshly prepared and ready to eat food available for purchase at the counter, along with convenience of being served to your seat. The new café experience, together with the upgraded theatres make for a more relaxed, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience for everyone.

Discussing the relaunch, Ganga Rathuvithana, General Manager Operations at Ceylon Theatres said, “Majestic Cineplex has always been a special part of Colombo’s cinema culture, and we are proud to welcome audiences back with an experience that reflects the future of movie entertainment. We have always believed in investing in the best available technology, from introducing Sri Lanka’s first 3D cinema to now launching the country’s first digital LED cinema screen. Our revamped Majestic Cineplex is designed to give movie lovers something truly special.”