Muslim Aid, UK Chairman meets Minister

Muslim Aid (UK) Chairman Sir Iqbal Sacranie who is on a five day visit to Sri Lanka met with Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen, MP on December 10 at his office.

The Chairman briefed Minister Bathiudeen on the role and activities of Muslim Aid throughout the world. The Muslim Aid (MA) is an international relief and development agency working in more than 70 countries with 14 field offices. MA opened a field office in Sri Lanka in 2005 following the tsunami. Muslim Aid Sri Lanka is operating with three sub offices including the North and East.

Assistance is given to all, regardless of their race, religion, gender, nationality or political opinions. The Muslim Aid specializes in providing emergency relief, including food, shelter and medical support, capacity-building through water, sanitation and health programs, education and skills training, specialized programs such as orphan care, however one of their key areas of work remains providing Islamic micro-credit for the poor.

The Minister who was appreciative the Muslim Aid's work since its inception especially in Muttur crisis period and recent IDP's emergency in Manik farm. Minister requested MA to pursue their commitment towards helping to resettle those who were forcibly evicted from the North two decades ago.

Minister Bathiudeen also requested that Muslim Aid to provide 5,000 temporary shelter as an immediate relief for the displaced.

Hunais Farook MP from the Vanni District and Muslim Aid Country Director Faizer Khan Sri Lanka office were also present.