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Reports of possible terror attack: ACJU requests Muslims to pray for Sri Lanka
The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) says it is alarmed over media reports warning that Sri Lanka may face another terrorist attack similar to the Easter Sunday bombings on April 21, 2019.
The ACJU has, in a media statement, encouraged the Muslim community to pray and make Du’a to Almighty Allah (SWT) to protect Sri Lanka and all its people from all forms of tragedies and disasters.
It has also appealed to the Muslim community to be very cautious and vigilant as the claims of an attack have not been verified.
“We appeal to the community to be wary of the ISIS and similar terrorist organizations which are misleadingly and falsely representing themselves as protectors of Islam while they are widely perceived as being orchestrated by elements hostile to Islam and all religions,” ACJU said.
Full text of the ACJU statement titled ‘ ‘: The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) is alarmed at the several media reports claiming that Sri Lanka may very soon face yet another terrorist attack similar to the Easter Sunday Bombings of 21st April, 2019. While encouraging the community to pray and make Du’a to Almighty Allah (SWT) to protect Sri Lanka and all its people from all forms of tragedies and disasters, the ACJU requests, particularly the Muslim community to be very cautious and vigilant in this regard as we are not certain of the reliability of the above claims.
We appeal to the community to be wary of the ISIS and similar terrorist organizations which are misleadingly and falsely representing themselves as protectors of Islam while they are widely perceived as being orchestrated by elements hostile to Islam and all religions.
Islamic Scholars around the world have unanimously stated that these organizations are anti-Islamic terrorist groups, whose handlers are yet to be fully investigated. It is noteworthy that the ACJU, and all Muslim Civil society organizations have collectively issued a Declaration on 2015.07.23, declaring that such organizations are completely against the teachings of Islam.
We are deeply saddened by the fact that the innocent civilian lives were lost and many suffered injuries in the brutal attacks carried out by terrorists on the Easter Sunday of 21st April 2019.
We need to emphasize that our community has made innumerable contributions and sacrifices in the national interest of our country. Our forefathers have contributed immensely to preserve the sovereignty and security of this country throughout history. Similarly, they have been in the forefront of developing and strengthening beneficial foreign relations with our country. Whenever our country was threatened with invasion by external forces, our forefathers had supported the reigning kings of our country in protecting our Motherland. Since gaining independence and becoming a democratic republic, our leaders have made admirable efforts to forge religious harmony and communal amity.
It is however disappointing to note that a situation has arisen, where vested interests are continuing to instigate distrust and hatred on grossly false basis against the Muslims, following the cowardly and brutal terrorist attacks carried out by a few misguided elements with Muslim names, while overlooking the invaluable contribution of the community towards this nation.
It is sad that false allegations are being circulated against Islam and Muslims by certain elements who are intent on disrupting communal unity. We, the ACJU strongly urge the Muslim community not to be provoked by such conspirators and to practice restraint.
The ACJU requests its District and Divisional Branches, Masjid Trustees and all civil organizations to pay attention to these matters and all Muslims to be vigilant and cautious in this regard and strive towards building closer relationships with all communities.
Furthermore, we request all Muslims to read the below mentioned booklet published by ACJU and to circulate it among others as well: Tamil: ‘Madaththin Peyaraal Theeviravaadam Vendaam’, Sinhala Translation: ‘Anthawaadayeku Nowanna’.
We urge all Muslims to ensure that our brothers and sisters are not influenced by extremist or un-Islamic ideologists.
We pray that Almighty Allah bestows protection, justice and solace to all those who are suffering in our country and around the world and bless our Motherland with lasting peace, unity and prosperity.”
The newly appointed Cabinet Committee tasked with ensuring the uninterrupted functioning of Sri Lanka’s public service held its inaugural meeting on Thursday (19) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya.
The Committee convened to discuss strategies to maintain seamless government operations in the face of potential disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict situation in the Middle East, with particular focus on energy resource management.
According to officials, the discussions emphasised sustaining essential government services, ensuring continued service delivery to the public, and addressing the operational challenges faced by public sector employees during the current circumstances. The Committee also examined measures to mitigate any disruptions that could affect day-to-day administrative and service functions across ministries and departments.
Key attendees at the meeting included the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government A. H. M. M. H. Abayaratne; Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake; Secretary to the
Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri; Chief of Staff to the President Prabath Chandrakeerthi; and senior secretaries from key ministries including Health and Mass Media, Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Energy, and Digital Economy.
Representatives from state institutions such as the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation were also present, highlighting the government’s focus on energy security as a central priority. The Committee’s deliberations underscored a coordinated approach to balancing uninterrupted public service delivery with effective management of limited energy resources amid the ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.
Observers note that the formation of this Cabinet Committee reflects the government’s proactive stance in safeguarding national administrative functions and ensuring that critical public services remain resilient during times of external pressures.The Committee is expected to meet regularly to monitor developments, evaluate emerging risks, and implement practical measures to maintain operational continuity across the public sector.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa on Friday lashed out at President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Parliament, accusing him of failing to uphold international law during wartime.
Premadasa said the President’s claim of neutrality ignored breaches of the UN Charter—including Articles 2.4 and 2.7—and other global conventions. “A neutral stance requires openly acknowledging violations,” he argued, criticizing the absence of ethical mechanisms to safeguard international law.
He also questioned the President’s handling of maritime issues, particularly whether Sri Lanka had been informed of the alleged attack on the Iranian vessel IRIS Dena, stressing that the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) permits only peaceful activity.
On the economic front, Premadasa condemned the government for missing a chance to buy Russian oil during a 30-day U.S. sanctions suspension.
He said attempts to advise the Foreign Ministry, including a meeting with the Russian Ambassador, yielded no progress.
Premadasa further ridiculed the government’s earlier dismissal of the QR code fuel system, noting that officials are now adapting to it.
Turning to broader economic concerns, he called for immediate negotiations with the IMF to secure a new agreement, warning that the current primary balance of 2.3 is unsustainable. He stressed the urgent need for a poverty-reduction program, highlighting that one-third of Sri Lankans live in poverty.
He also demanded that surplus Treasury funds be used to support relief packages, arguing billions in reserves could aid households struggling with income shortfalls.Concluding his address, Premadasa criticized the government for failing to prepare for foreseeable crises, leaving the country vulnerable.
Former Minister Johnston Fernando, his two sons, and three others were remanded by the Wattala Magistrate’s Court yesterday (20) until April 2, the court confirmed.
The suspects, including Fernando’s elder son Johan, younger son Jerome, and a former transport manager of Lanka Sathosa, are under investigation by the Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID).
Authorities allege the Lanka Sathosa lorry was misused for operations linked to an ethanol company reportedly owned by Fernando, causing an estimated Rs. 2.5 million loss to the state.
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