Sri Lanka Muslim leader discusses Dambulla mosque issue with the President

The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), an ally of the government, has discussed with President Mahinda Rajapaksa the controversial issue of the mosque located in the sacred area of Dambulla Temple in Central Province. SLMC Leader and Justice Minister Rauf Hakeem had met the President to ask him to intervene and resolve the matter.
After the meeting, Hakeem has told the media that he was confident of the issue being resolved in a just manner. He has said the President had assured that the dispute would not be allowed to get out of hand and will resolve the contentious matter without harming the interests of any individual or community. Hakeem has also rejected the claim by Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne that Muslim ministers had agreed to relocate the Dambulla mosque. The SLMC has pointed out that the government should be cautious not to allow extremists to create political and religious disharmony in the country. However, Hakeem has reiterated that any attempt to relocate the mosque that has been in the current location since 1963 would be unjust and an act against the sentiments of the Muslim community in the country.