Road Map to address issues affecting Muslims

UPFA Colombo Municipal Council mayoral candidate Milinda Moragoda launched a Road Map to address issues affecting the Muslim community amid a large gathering of community leaders at Galle Face Hotel, Colombo recently.

The Muslim Affairs Circle praised Moragoda for the support he has extended to the community in strengthening social and educational institutions. They pointed out that by improving the quality of people's lives, harmony and understanding between different communities can be achieved.

Here, Milinda Moragoda commenting on the Road Map to the participants. Western Province Governor Alavi Mowlana, Deputy Minister Faizer Musthapa, CMC Special Commissioner Omar Kamil and PC Faiz Musthapa were present.

Road Map to address issues affecting the Muslim community is given below.

1 Help create a political culture which fosters mutual respect and understanding between all communities.

2 Educate other communities on Muslim culture and way of life.

3 Enhance the standards of Muslim national schools and make available vocational training for those who do not wish to pursue higher education.

4 Support the All Ceylon Jammayathul Ulama to obtain authority in all matters related to halal certification.

5 Assist in arranging a monthly meeting with the Security Forces and Police to discuss and resolve on-going issues and problems faced by the Muslim community.

6 Assist in obtaining prayer facilities in public and other institutions.

7 Ensure the implementation of the government circular, which permits the wearing of the Muslim dress (Hijab) in schools, hospitals, and other government institutions.

8 Help address drugs and narcotics-related issues faced by the community.

9 Assist in Tamil language training of staff who deal with the public in local government offices and institutions, such as, the Police, hospitals, post offices etc.

10 Set up a special trust which will be responsible for giving an allowance to ladies resident in Colombo city on the death of their husbands, during the period of Iddah.