Extremist Islamic preachers visited SL even after Easter Sunday attack

The Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Security in its report to Parliament last week revealed that two leading extremist Islamic leaders from India had visited Sri Lanka on several occasions to conduct lectures even after the Easter Sunday attacks.

Accordingly, Tamil Nadu Extremist Islamic Leader Jainul Abdeen and popular Mumbai-based preacher Zakir Naik have visited Sri Lanka on several occasions.

The report also revealed that after the Easter Sunday attacks, several Islamic preachers from various countries including Egypt had visited Sri Lanka and conducted lectures in order to spread their extremist ideology.

A large number of such Islamic preachers and individuals, who are involved in illegal activities in the world had visited Sri Lanka during last few years and several such Islamic preachers still remain in Sri Lanka violating immigration laws in the country.

The report suggested amending the Immigration and Emigration law in line with the national and international new developments.

The report stated that all students studying in madrassa institutions should be absorbed into the normal school system under the Ministry of Education within three years. Accordingly, the committee rejected the earlier proposal to bring the Madras institutions under the Ministry of Education.

It has been proposed that madrassa schools should be operated only for the education of Islamic Moulavis after GCE Ordinary Level and Advanced Level students. The report also proposes to establish a special committee to regulate the Madrasa institutions under the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs.

It contains recommendations on 14 areas including the National Defence Policy, The Manner of Amending the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Law, Timely Requirement for the amendment of Wakf Act, Halal Certification Process and establishment of a Ministry of Religious Affairs with all religions and Halal certification.