Halal issue: govt holding talks with both parties

The government is conducting discussions with concerned individuals and groups belonging to both Sinhala and Muslim communities on issues related to Halal certification, Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said.

Responding to a question by a journalist at the Cabinet press briefing at the ministry auditorium yesterday, the minister said the government's position is that, activities which could lead to communal clashes should be avoided.

He said the representatives of Jamaithul Ulema Organisation and Bodu Bala Sena met the President to discuss this matter. The minister said there are issues over the validity and legality of the Halal certificates, as the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) is the authorised institution to issue certificates on standards in Sri Lanka.

He said problems related to Halal certification were discussed for over half and hour at the Cabinet meeting yesterday morning.

Rambukwella said the government has taken steps while facilitating a discussion at large with regard to this issue and other connected issues.