News
Make polygamy legal for all, under strict conditions – ACJU
By Ifham Nizam
All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) yesterday said it had been saddened by a Cabinet decision to amend the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act without taking into consideration the views expressed by Islamic religious and civil organisations.
The Cabinet has decided to raise the age of marriage for all Sri Lankans to 18, make the consent and signature of the bride for the marriage mandatory, recognise the eligibility of women to be appointed as Quazis, and prohibit polygamous marriages of Muslims.
Arkam Nooramith, General Secretary of the ACJU,said that they had asked the government and Justice Minister Ali Sabry, to reconsider the Cabinet decisions at issue.
Nooramith said: “We want the Cabinet to respect the rights of all citizens.
Muslim family laws have been practised in Sri Lanka for centuries and these customary laws were codified later. These laws were subjected to amendments in the past but this was after the consultation from community representatives.”
The ACJU General Secretary said that the minimum age of marriage had been made 18 years and they agree with that decision.
“But we wish to highlight that the law states engaging in consensual sexual activities with those above the age of 16 years is legal. We propose that as the minimum age for marriage is being raised to 18 years, that consensual sexual activities below the age of 18 be declared illegal and punishable offence.”
Noorramith also said that according to the Quran, the Sunnah of the Prophet and Islamic Jurisprudence polygamous marriages are permissible. “We propose that polygamous marriages be permitted but under strict conditions, which shall eliminate any form of abuse of this provision. If the Cabinet deems that such permissibility to one community shall violate the principle of equality of law for all citizens, we propose that the General Marriage Law also provisions for polygamous marriages under strict conditions,” Nooramith said.
The Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, paid a solemn visit to the Embassy of the Vatican in Colombo today (25) to offer condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
During the visit, Dr. Amarasuriya signed the book of condolence, expressing deep sorrow over the demise of the beloved spiritual leader and extending heartfelt sympathies to the Catholic community both in Sri Lanka and around the world:
The Prime Minister was received by the Archbishop Brian N. Udaigwe, Apostolic Nuncio of the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican Embassy in Colombo and other officials.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
President Anura Kumara Disanayake conducted an inspection tour of Kandy city on Thursday (24) night to inspect the progress of the “Siri Dalada Wandanawa” and the related issues that have emerged.
The President held an urgent meeting with relevant officials to address the issues related to sanitation facilities for devotees visiting Kandy to venerate the sacred tooth relic
Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha, Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa Nilanga Dela Bandara , Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, Army Commander Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Governor of the Central Province Prof. Sarath Abeykoon, Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatte and others participated in this meeting.
[PMD]
A Sri Lankan delegation met with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer on the 22nd of April, 2025 at the US Trade Representative Office in Washington D.C.
The Sri Lankan delegation, on the instructions of President Disanayaka, who is also the Minister of Finance, handed over the originals of communications addressed to US Trade Representative Ambassador Greer
The delegation updated Ambassador Greer on the challenges that Sri Lanka has faced in the past and the steps that are being taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to overcome future challenges and move towards full economic recovery. The delegation also highlighted the prompt and positive commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka to work with the US Government in reducing the trade deficit, and lowering tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Ambassador Greer acknowledged the proposals made by the Sri Lankan government and expressed hope that an agreement can be reached soon between the two countries to ensure fair and equitable trade relations.
Later on that day, the Sri Lankan delegation met with the USTR delegation appointed by Ambassador Greer lead by Assistant United States Trade Representative, In-charge of South and Central Asia, Brendan Lynch along with Director In-charge of South Asia, Emily Ashby to discuss further the appeal made in writing by Sri Lanka to the US. The two sides agreed to continue the discussions with the objective of finalizing a bilateral trade agreement between the two countries. Both sides expressed the desire to finalize the agreement in the shortest possible time period.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade, commodity, and direct investment policy, and overseeing negotiations with other countries. The head of USTR is the U.S. Trade Representative, a Cabinet member who serves as the president’s principal trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on trade issues.
[PMD]
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