News
Islamic fundamentalist threatens ex-Muslim within PCoI premises
Rishvin Ismeth, known as an ex-Muslim in Sri Lanka among the general public, has been threatened by an ally of the former leader of Sri Lanka Jamaat Islami, Rasheed Hajjul Akbar on 26th October around 11.45 pm at the premises of Presidential Commission of Inquiry investigating Easter Sunday Suicide Attacks, Council of Ex-Muslims of Sri Lanka (CEMSL) yesterday said in a press release.
CEMSL said that Rishvin Ismeth was the present spokesperson for the Council of Ex-Muslims of Sri Lanka and the only public face of the organisation for those who had left Islam to become areligious. Ismeth was present at the Presidential Commission of Inquiry to cross-examine the former leader of Sri Lanka Jamaat Islami, with the permission of the Commission.
“His questions to Rashid Hajjul Akbar mainly focused on the plan of capturing Sri Lanka through an armed struggle to establish an Islamic State, publishing Jihadist and extremist materials in Alhasanath, the official monthly magazine of Sri Lanka Jamaat Islami and sending Sri Lankan Muslim youth for Jihadist fighting and training to Afghanistan, Pakistan and Kashmir.
The incident happened on his return at the end of the day’s session. The following day, Rishvin Ismeth reported it to the Commission. The Chairman of the Commission, Court of Appeal Judge, Justice Janak de Silva issued an order to National Authority for the Protection of Victims of Crimes and Witnesses to take the necessary steps,” the press release said.
CEMSL said that a teacher named Mahroof from Kekirawa had threatened via social media on 31 Oct. to harm Rishvin Ismeth’s mother. The organization added that Ismeth was one of the few who had alerted the law enforcement to suspected Islamic terrorist activities, months before the Aliyar Junction incident at Kattankudy on 10th March, 2017.
The media statement said: “His first complaint was made in July 2016. Before the Parliamentary Select Committee, he was able to expose the Islamist extremist materials in Sri Lankan school textbooks issued free of charge by the government to schoolchildren. One of these books mentions that the punishment for those who leave Islam or accept other religions is “KILLING” and the same book has been used to educate Muslims students about cruel Stone Age punishments such as amputation, flogging and stoning to death. Even though Sri Lanka is not an Islamic country, it is very difficult for an ex-Muslim to live as an ex-Muslim openly, so all other ex-Muslims in the country are forced to stay in the closet.”
CEMSL said that Rishvin Ismeth had been under continuous threats and harassment by Islamists and extremist elements for years, and, therefore, the recent threat at the premises of the Commission probing terrorist attack in could not be taken lightly. “The threat the Commission premises shows the strength of the Islamist network in this country. The Council of Ex-Muslims of Sri Lanka requests the government to take strict action against Islamist extremism to prevent catastrophe.
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi departed today (06) from Air Force Base Anuradhapura concluding his State visit to Sri Lanka. The Indian Premier embarked on a tour to Sri Lanka at the invitation from President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
This visit underscores the enduring relationship encapsulated by the theme “Friendship of Centuries, Commitment to a Prosperous Future,” further solidifying the bonds between India and Sri Lanka.
This marks Prime Minister Modi’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka, which has further enhanced the economic, cultural, and historical relations between the two nations, while also reinforcing their multifaceted partnership. This visit by the Indian Prime Minister reinforces Sri Lanka’s important role in India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy” and ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision concerning diplomatic relations.
This state visit is anticipated to yield significant results on various collaborative initiatives, fostering a path towards mutual growth and development. The citizens of Sri Lanka will soon be able to witness the fruitful outcomes of these partnerships, and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit will mark a significant milestone in the government’s pursuit of sustainable development focused on the needs of the people.
Accompanying Indian Prime Minister Modi were Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and a delegation of senior officials from the Indian government.
[PMD]
Latest News
President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
The upgraded Maho–Omanthai railway line and the newly installed Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system were officially commissioned by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Anura Kumara Disanayake today (06)
The Prime Minister of India is currently visiting Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, reinforcing the longstanding bond encapsulated in the theme “Friendship of Centuries Commitment to a Prosperous Future” between the two nations.
Highlighting one of the key aspects of this visit, the two leaders participated in these inaugural ceremonies. The President and the Prime Minister of India jointly unveiled the commemorative plaque and commissioned the railway line and signalling system.
The upgraded Maho-Omanthai Railway Line project was carried out with funding through the Indian Credit Line, totalling an investment of US$ 91.27 million. The Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system, established as a result of President Disanayake’s recent visit to India, was funded by the Indian Government at a cost of USD 14.89 million.
[PMD]
Latest News
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, currently on a State visit to Sri Lanka, along with President Anura Kumara Disanayake paid homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura this morning (06) and received blessings.
Following his visit to the sacred site, Prime Minister Modi proceeded to the Udamaluwa, where he met with the Chief Incumbent of the Atamasthanadhipathi and Chief Sanghanayake of Nuwarakalaviya, Most Venerable Dr. Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thera, for a cordial discussion.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister shared that relics of the Buddha were discovered in excavations conducted in his home state of Gujarat during the 1960s. He further stated that he would discuss with the President of Sri Lanka the possibility of exhibiting these sacred relics in Sri Lanka.
Responding to a request made by the Atamasthanadhipathi to develop Bodh Gaya as a spiritual city, Prime Minister Modi assured that he would take the necessary steps after discussions with President Disanayake and work towards making it a reality.
The Maha Sangha, led by the Atamasthanadhipathi, chanted Seth Pirith and invoked blessings on the Indian Prime Minister.
The Indian Prime Minister also left a commemorative note in the special guest book at the site. In addition, he formally declared open the newly constructed ‘Makara Thorana’ within the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises.
The occasion was also attended by Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweli Maha Seya Temple Ven. Ethalawetunawewe Gnanathilaka Thera and other Atamasthana Viharadhipathi Theras, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, North Central Province Governor Wasantha Jinadasa, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and others.
[PMD]
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi concludes State Visit to Sri Lanka
President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
-
Business2 days agoDaraz Sri Lanka ushers in the New Year with 4.4 Avurudu Wasi Pro Max – Sri Lanka’s biggest online Avurudu sale
-
News7 days agoBid to include genocide allegation against Sri Lanka in Canada’s school curriculum thwarted
-
Business3 days agoStrengthening SDG integration into provincial planning and development process
-
Features22 hours agoStarlink in the Global South
-
Business2 days agoNew SL Sovereign Bonds win foreign investor confidence
-
Sports4 days agoTo play or not to play is Richmond’s decision
-
Features22 hours agoModi’s Sri Lanka Sojourn
-
Latest News6 days agoIPL 2025: Rookies Ashwani and Rickelton lead Mumbai Indians to first win