The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) has expressed regret over certain decisions taken by the Cabinet of Ministers with regard to the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act.

Issuing a statement, the ACJU said the Cabinet of Ministers has proceeded with the decisions without taking into consideration the opinions given by Islamic religious and civil organizations. 

The ACJU has called on the Government and the Minister of Justice, to reevaluate the decisions made by the Cabinet, by adhering to an inclusive decision-making process, while giving due consideration to the fundamentals of the religion. 

Full statement:

Re: Decisions taken on Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act by the Cabinet of Ministers

Muslim Family Laws were in practice in Sri Lanka throughout the history of more than 1000 years among the Muslim community in accordance with the Islamic Religious teachings and cultural practices. These customary laws were codified and implemented since the Dutch and English colonial eras and the post-independence period until today and were subjected to amendments from time to time as required upon due consultation from community representatives as it was related to the Muslim community’s religious and cultural affairs.

In this context, we agree that certain reforms are needed in terms of the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act. Especially the grievances of the Muslim women should be addressed through these reforms.

Since this matter is concerning the Religion followed by the Muslims, our stance is that the appropriate reforms are required to be made considering the fundamental teachings of the religion, and upon due consultation of the concerned stakeholders by taking their views into consideration. 

Accordingly, the ACJU has presented its submissions on the necessary reforms in the prevalent Muslim Personal Laws on various occasions.

However, it is saddening that the Cabinet of Ministers has proceeded to take some decisions with regard to the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act, without taking into consideration the opinions given by Islamic religious and civil organizations. The ACJU expresses its displeasure and distress with regard to this matter.

Thus, the ACJU kindly requests the Government and the Minister of Justice, to reevaluate the above decisions made by the Cabinet of Ministers, by adhering to an inclusive decision-making process, while giving due consideration to the fundamentals of the religion with regard to this matter and honoring the rights of all citizens of the country, in order to ensure that no one is served injustice and the multicultural diversity of our nation is upheld.

The ACJU reiterates that it will support every decision that is taken based on the above-mentioned criteria, in the best interest and development of the country and the Sri Lankan Muslim community.

We pray that all decisions made in the best interest of our country result in lasting goodness for our country and our future generations.