Northern Muslims return reassured by the President

by Dr Sulaiman Rifai

(December 09, London, Sri Lanka Guardian) President Mahinda Rajapakasa opens a new chapter in Srilankan history by promising to facilitate the returns of Northern Muslims in Jaffna, Killinochchi, Mullaithivu and Mannar districts. If such promise materialised Muslims in Srilanka particularly Northern Muslims could compare & equate the contributions of President to that of Kandyan King Senarath:. Kandyan King Senrath with his kind heart and sympathy towards Muslims settled thousands of Muslims and their families in the Eastern province.. Muslims were badly persecuted by Portuguese in Sitawaka in the Sixteen century: just for being Muslims and competing in their trade and business and because of their strong political affiliation with the King. Still Muslims in Srilanka vividly remember this great service with gratitude.

Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa’ name will be recorded in the history of Srilanka along side the name of King Senarath for his service to Northern Muslims if his determination to resettle Muslims of these districts is materialised during his presidency:

Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa , President of Sri Lanka in his Hajji message very clearly articulated in a strongest voice. “that the Muslims from the North who had been victimized in LTTE ethnic cleansing would be able to return to their homes soon. Like the Muslims in the East who are now enjoying lives without fear , the Muslims from the North will also have a renewed life in peace and harmony”

Indeed, this would be one of happiest Hajj messages that Northern Muslims receive any presidents of Srilanka for the last 18 years: For the last 18 years Northern Muslims have been living as IDPs in Srilanka in various refugee camps, small huts and temporary commendations: They have been suffering immensely in all aspects of life despite of being equal Srilankan citizens: We hope that our president’s promises will instil new hope in their life. In this happy day, Let us all pray to Almighty Allah that Northern Muslims will have happy and prosperous future in their own native places in the northern districts soon. We, Srilanka Muslims should be much grateful and thankful to the President for this noble promise in this happy Eid day: I wish happy Eid for all. - Sri Lanka Guardian