ACJU says Defence authorities were informed of extremist elements since 2015

The All Ceylon Jamiathul Ulama (ACJU) has said that its organisation along with other Muslim organisations had been repeatedly informing the Defence authorities urging them to take action against extremist elements since 2015.

MIM Rizwie, ACJU President, told the press yesterday (Apr 25) that his organisation along with other Muslim bodies had issued a Joint Declaration against the ISIS on July 22, 2015.

"The Sri Lankan Muslim community has always supported and worked with the government authorities against all forms of extremism," he said emphasising that there is no place in Islam for extremism, or violence against innocent people since it is regarded as one of the gravest sins.

Mr. Rizwie also called on the government to provide necessary protection to all places of religious worship as well. He commended the measures taken by Archbishop Cardinal Malcom Ranjith and other religious leaders in guiding the people to prevent communal conflicts from arising within the country.

"The Muslim Community vehemently condemns this act of terrorism on our Christian brothers and sisters while at worship in their Churches and at various other places," he said while requesting the  authorities to bring those responsible for this attack, before the law and mete out maximum punishment.