Muslim Civil Society Alliance writes to GL opposing attempts to abolish Quazi Court system

Muslim Civil Society Alliance Chairman Faisz Musthapha PC has written to Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris opposing the attempts to abolish the Quazi Court system. Following are excerpts of the letter:

Muslim Civil Society Alliance Chairman Faisz Musthapha PC

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris

I write on behalf of the Muslim Civil Society Alliance which comprises several Muslim organisations and individuals.

We are greatly alarmed by reports that steps are being taken to amend several provisions of the Muslim Personal Law as we know it. We understand that the Minister of Justice Mr. M.U.M. Ali Sabry is due to present to the Cabinet today legislation to abolish the Quazi Court system. As you will readily appreciate abolishing the Quazi Courts goes to the root of the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Law that is in force in the country.

You will recall that at a working dinner hosted by you for Heads of Mission of Muslim countries in Colombo on 30 November 2021, you hailed the constructive role played by the Sri Lankan Muslim community both historically and in the recent political and social life in the country. 

We were encouraged by the solemn commitment made by you at the dinner that Sri Lanka will continue to uphold its rich democratic tradition as a society where every person irrespective of their religion, ethnicity or race enjoys the freedom to express their identity by practicing their own religion, culture and language.

We were greatly encouraged by your assurance that the rich and varied legal tradition of Sri Lanka which included personal laws specific to Muslim, Kandyan and Tamil communities, will continue to be retained. 

We were all the more reassured that you chose to make these remarks in the presence of the Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa who was present at the dinner as the Guest of Honour.

We are confident that you will continue to uphold the diversity that is Sri Lanka’s strength and will take all steps possible to ensure that the Personal Laws of all communities including the Muslims will be protected in accordance with the pledge given by you to the envoys of Muslim countries.

We look forward to your response on the matter.