The All Ceylon Jamiathul Ulama (ACJU) says it is unfortunate that the Cabinet has taken some decisions regarding the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act without considering the views of Islamic religious and civil society organizations.
The organization has focused on the proposals made by the Cabinet on the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act.
This organization requests the Government and the Minister of Justice to reconsider the decisions taken by the Cabinet.
In this regard, the organization urges governments to pay due respect to the principles of religion, to ensure that no one is wronged and that the rights of all citizens of the country are upheld to ensure the multicultural diversity of our nation.
The organization points out that Muslim family law in Sri Lanka has a history of over a thousand years, in line with Islamic teachings and cultural practices.
These customary laws were established and enforced from the Dutch and English colonial eras.
The organization points out that from the post-independence period to the present, they have been amended from time to time on religious and cultural matters on the advice of the community representatives of the Muslim community.
However, the organization says they agree that certain reforms are needed under the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act.
They point out that the grievances of Muslim women should be addressed, especially through these reforms.
The organization emphasizes that since these are matters pertaining to the religion practiced by Muslims, appropriate reforms should be made taking into account the basic teachings of the religion and appropriate advice should be sought taking into account the views of the relevant stakeholders.
Accordingly, the All Ceylon Jamiathul Ulama (ACJU) has on several occasions made recommendations on necessary amendments to existing Muslim laws.
The organization reiterated its support for all decisions based on the above criteria for the benefit and development of the country and the Muslim community in Sri Lanka.
