A forum represented by several Muslim organizations and individuals, which will be an apolitical body, has been established as the Muslim Consultative Committee, states a release from the Muslim Council of Sri Lanka(MCSL).
The release adds: The Muslim Council of Sri Lanka (MCSL) convened a meeting of Muslim civil society members, religious leaders, businesspersons, academics and professionals with the objective of building consensus within the Muslim community and establishing a Muslim Consultative Committee. This Committee comprising of over 75 prominent members of the Muslim society will address short, medium and long-term interests of the community in Sri Lanka, particularly recognizing the need for a response to contemporary challenges faced by Sri Lankan Muslims, while promoting peaceful coexistence in the country.
MCSL president N.M. Ameen at the inaugural meeting of the Muslim Consultative Meeting, emphasized that while recognizing the need to meet challenges faced by Muslims in Sri Lanka the importance of interacting with all ethnic communities in the country to promote the Sri Lankan identity, while respecting diversity in multi – cultural Sri Lanka.
The Muslim Council of Sri Lanka is an umbrella organization comprising over fifty independent network organizations. It has been in the forefront in addressing issues of the Muslim community through advocacy and lobbying with the government, political and religious leaders to find amicable and sustainable solutions to challenges faced by the community, while promoting understanding and strengthening ties with all Sri Lankans.