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No mosque coming up in Maligawatte: Maharoof

Urban Public Utilities Minister Mohamed Maharoof dispelled rumours about moves to build a mosque at Bodhirajarama Mawatha, Maligawatte when he met a group of Viharadhipatis of Colombo temples at his ministry on Tuesday.

Maharoof said the Muslim Madrasa Daham Pasala would countine at Bodhirajarama Mawatha as before and he wished to guarantee that a mosque would not be built at the location.

The meeting of Viharadhipathis was convened by Maharoof to discuss and find solutions to common problems in Maligawatte and ensure peace in the area.

Welcoming the Maha Sangha the Colombo Government Agent and other officials who attended the meeting Maharoof said: "As we all know an unfortunate incident occurred at Bodhirajarama Mawatha Maligawatte while renovation work was in progress at the Muslim Madrasa religious school recently. I am specially thankful to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe for his quick intervention to settle this issue. The steps taken by the Prime Minister has enabled us to reach a common understanding today."

The Minister said the Prime Minister prior to his departure on his foreign tour, appointed a Ministerial Committee comprising Karu Jayasuriya, John Amratunga and Thilak Marapana to settle the Maligawatte issue.

This committee held discussions with Parliamentarians in Colombo and surrounding electorates, Colombo district secretary, DIG Colombo and other officials before arriving at its decision. Finally Minister Karu Jayasuriya decided that the relevant Madrasa Dahama Pasala should be allowed to continue. The Prime Minister too approved this decision", he said.

Maharoof said this fair decision thwarted attempts made by certain politicians to find short cuts to power.

"Following this decision, Minister Amaratunga directed police to discuss with the two parties and ensure that all court cases in this connection are withdrawn. I wish to express my gratitude and sincere thanks to Ven. Demalusse Medhankara Thera, Secretary, Colombo Region Shasanarakshaka Mandalaya for having met me and taken steps to settle this issue. Today's meeting was convened at the request of Ven. Beragama Wimalatiss Thera, Viharadhipati, Sri Somaloka Viharaya, Stace Road, Colombo."

A ministry release said over 20 Viharadhipatis of temples in Colombo attended Tuesday's meeting.

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