News
Concerns over WAKF Board of Sri Lanka recommendations
View(s):By Tharushi Weerasinghe
Community members have expressed concerns about recent recommendations to the WAKF Board of Sri Lanka, warning that the process could pave the way for political appointments. This follows reports of seven Muslim MPs submitting name lists of 10-15 candidates each for consideration.
The WAKF Board, established under the 1956 Muslim Mosques and Charitable Trusts or Wakfs Act, oversees mosque registration, trustee appointments, dispute resolution, and guideline issuance. It operates under the Ministry of Religious and Cultural Affairs and manages waqf properties across the country. The seven-member board is renewed every three years by the Minister of Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs.
“A precedent has been set for new Boards to be appointed every 1.5 years, often coinciding with government changes,” said Reyaz Sally, Chairman of the Dewatagaha Mosque. He noted that the current board, valid until February 2026, has served for 1.5 years. Mr Sally warned against replacing the entire board, suggesting instead that only a few members be changed if necessary. He emphasised the importance of political independence to manage approximately 3,000 mosques ethically.
Mr Sally also advocated for appointing a chairman who is an attorney-at-law and part of the religious community.
MP Arkam Ilyas, named as one of the MPs who submitted recommendations, denied the allegation, stating that MPs only pass on names they receive. “The minister ultimately decides who joins the board, making it a political appointment by definition,” he said. He added that any recommended candidates must have discipline, good standing, and relevant qualifications and that board members cannot continue on simply on the basis of previously having held the position, especially when some complaints have been raised.
MP Riyas Farook echoed this view, stating, “Anyone can recommend names if they meet the board’s criteria. No decisions have been finalised.”
A current board member, speaking anonymously, cautioned against appointing individuals with political affiliations, stressing that such actions would undermine the WAKF’s semi-judicial role and independence. He highlighted the need to maintain public trust, especially as the board manages land distribution and other sensitive matters.
The current board members affirmed their intention to serve until 2026, as per their constitutional mandate, adding they would challenge any attempts to remove them unlawfully in the appeal courts.
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