OIC chief to visit Sri Lanka

29 September 2014 03:57 am - 19 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The head of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will visit Sri Lanka on an invitation from Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, according to a senior official from the Sri Lankan Embassy.

Iyad Madani, OIC secretary-general, is due to visit the country shortly.

“This is the first time such a visit is being made to Sri Lanka and we are really proud of it,” the official said, pointing out that an advance team will go to Colombo shortly to make preparatory arrangements for Madani’s visit.

Sri Lanka has applied for observer status in the OIC.

Last month, the island’s ambassador, Mohamed Hussein Mohamed, met Madani in Jeddah to discuss the program for the secretary general’s visit to Colombo.

The four-member delegation from the OIC is expected to chalk out the program in coordination with the ministry of External Affairs in Colombo.

Arab News learned that in addition to his meeting with the country’s president, Madani would hold meetings with religious organizations in the island to get firsthand knowledge of the current position of the minorities in the island.

In a letter addressed to the Sri Lankan government, the OIC earlier expressed its concerns at reports of ethnic tensions in parts of Sri Lanka following violence, which has affected Muslim community members and their businesses, particularly in the central province of Buwelikade.

The OIC has also pointed out that it has full confidence that the government of Sri Lanka is taking appropriate measures to calm the situation on the ground. The organization has also expressed its willingness to explore with the Sri Lankan government the possibilities of extending humanitarian assistance to the affected communities, including refugees in the northern part of the island.

Muslims form 8 percent of the 22 million population of the island. Eighty percent of the islanders are Buddhist and 12 percent Tamil.

Madani invited President Rajapaksa to visit Saudi Arabia again.(Arab News)

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Comments - 19

Sha Monday, 29 September 2014 07:31 AM

No Christians or Catholics in SL? Only tamils,Buddhist and muslims?

rabbit Tuesday, 30 September 2014 06:46 PM

BBS will be there to welcome them via DM iPad app

Pissa Tuesday, 30 September 2014 12:47 AM

What's wrong with that, we have nothing to hide.

Public Monday, 29 September 2014 09:06 PM

Oh I see fine let him have a look to his own eyes

Muthyavan. Monday, 29 September 2014 07:33 PM

Why cant the domestic-aids working in KSA and others OIC nations be paid a reasonable wages and treated like humans. via DM iPad app

naz Monday, 29 September 2014 10:06 AM

sha sha sha - the Pope is also coming

Fassey Monday, 29 September 2014 09:58 AM

Invitation is extended now keep the bowl ready.

Relax Monday, 29 September 2014 09:24 AM

Are u sure about you'll against Drug?? Tell me which community deals Drugs? for which community? and u no why?

mount Monday, 29 September 2014 01:32 PM

Will come for formalities to accept loan application.

Ammade Monday, 29 September 2014 07:33 AM

he wont come just like a tour, he will definitely give a stronger message to rob terrorism in this banana republic

Aso San Monday, 29 September 2014 04:11 AM

The man has gone bananas due to pressure from the UNHRC. He is inviting anyone that is in his way. Funny!

YASEER Monday, 29 September 2014 06:48 AM

Really budhdhism exists in Sri Lanka or any other countries.? I have my doubt.It is politics and dirty politics that prevails.

Biman Monday, 29 September 2014 06:48 AM

why are you sad about it?

saman Monday, 29 September 2014 06:14 AM

Why does he invite everyone in the world to come to SL?

steave Monday, 29 September 2014 11:26 AM

first bring him to aluthgama and beruwala . via DM Android App

M.O.A.Careem Monday, 29 September 2014 05:24 AM

why so early.......he comes to pay the damages & lives.... all gone issues

Minan Monday, 29 September 2014 05:13 AM

OIC has nothing to do with Islamic extremism or Buddhist extremism, they are worried about Muslims in general. Dont try to connect extremists and drug dealers with a particular religion, Islam always against these two.

Wellwisher Monday, 29 September 2014 04:54 AM

Hope they will make arrangements to stop the islamic extremism and drug dealing as well.

kalanasiri Monday, 29 September 2014 04:48 AM

Didn't think OIC would accept the invite. Now, need to muzzle the BBS for the time being.

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OIC chief to visit Sri Lanka

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