Mosques required to record sermons

• In new directive by Muslim Affairs Ministry all sermons including Jumma to be recorded and sent to Ministry 
• Trustees warned they will be held responsible if their mosques promote extremism in any form 
• Asks for cooperation with Police and security forces 

The Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry yesterday issued a directive to all Mosque trustees to record all sermons including Jumma and to send it to the Ministry. 

The directive, which was also released to media by the Government Information Department, said that the decision had been taken on behalf of the entire Muslim Community. As per the provisions of the Muslim Mosques and Charitable Trust or Wakfs Act the Mosque Trustees are fully responsible for the due administration and management of respective Masjids, the statement said. 

“In view of the prevailing situation in the country, the Ministry of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs directs that all Trustees of Mosques not to engage in or permit any gathering/Jamaath to promote or propagate hatred or extremism in any form. It is to be noted that doing so will result in the Board of Trustees being held fully responsible under many laws including the said Wakfs Law, ICCRP, Penal Code, and Emergency Regulations,” the statement said.   

It also said the Trustees are directed hereby to audio record all sermons of Jumma or otherwise in their Masjids and to forward the same to the Ministry. The directive also called on the Trustees to ensure that the fullest cooperation and support is extended to the Police and the security forces in measures taken to eradicate terrorism. 

“Accordingly, the Board of Trustees are required to act with utmost responsibility and care. We request you to make use of your offices to maintain peace and harmony within the community as well as with other communities. We encourage you to invite clergy, and religious dignitaries of other faiths to visit the mosque and address the Muslims with messages of peace and harmony. The people and the Government of Sri Lanka expects us to play a proactive role in bringing about peace and security to all communities of 5ri Lanka,” it said.