Mr. Hilmy Ahamed has this to say about Grandpass mosque: It is indeed regrettable that forces within the Muslim community are trying to gain political capital out of the recent crisis faced by Muslim of Grandpass. SUPPORTERS AND OPPONENTS of both Hon. Fouzie and Hon. Faizer are throwing stones at each other from glass houses. It is sad to note that the "preference vote fight" between two members of the incumbent government has come to the limelight over the issue of the letter obtained by Hon. Faizer Mustapha to continue the mosque in Grandpass. From what I have heard, Hon. Faizer Mustapha who is the newly appointed SLFP organizer for COLOMBO central initiated this process at the request of his constituents as there was clear evidence that forces from outside were trying to close both mosques. . One thing is clear, if he had not got the letter by August 10th, there would NOT have been either the new or the old mosque down Swarna Chaithya road. The extremist elements who had gathered from outside the area were hell-bent on removing both mosques. So, it should be appreciated that Faizer Mustapha probably saved the mosque. As far as I know, there was no firm agreement that the mosque would be closed on the 10th. It had been agreed that a reasonable solution would be arrived at the end of Ramadan which would be acceptable to both communities. One of the conditions for shifting back was also the approval from the Urban Development Authority (UDA) to continue with the old mosque. This was rejected by the UDA as the land was ear-marked for development. I was part of the meeting convened by the Secretary to the Prime Minister at the Ministry of Buddhassana, immediately after violence erupted in Grandpass and heard the different versions. The meeting was well attended by large numbers from both communities representing Religious, Political and Civil Society leadership including Minsters Dinesh Gunawardene, Champika Ranawaka, Udaya Gammanpilla, A H M Fouzie, Rauf Hakeem, Rishard Badurdeen, Faizer Mustapha, Hisbullah etc. From the beginning, the Buddhists were harping on "para 5" of the earlier agreement which says that the Muslims would return to the old mosque". What is not spoken about is that the Buddhists have not complied with any of their commitments. Compliance of a mutual agreement rests with both parties to an agreement. It is true that there is a history of conflict behind this mosque, but the fact remains that this mosque was built with the total blessings of former Minister, Vincent Perera and there had been fairly good coexistence between the two communities. The mosque was built when there were approximately 40 families and the continued POVERTY of the low income Muslims (70% of the Muslim population) has driven people to this area for shelter and now we have close to 400 families. Clearly there was a need to find additional space for the Muslim congregation, and there was not much room in the 1.7 perch land area of the old mosque for expansion with two giant B0-tress by the side of the mosque and a temple close by. Further, the people of the area including the mosque had been issued notice by the Urban Development authority(UDA) to vacate as it had been ear marked for Canal development. As Muslims, we need a place to conduct our daily and Jummah prayers to pray in congregation and we cannot compromise this under normal circumstances. When this situation of possible eviction of the Mosque from Swarna Chayithya road was brought to the attention of a lawyer from Wellawatte, he made arrangements to buy an old ware-house which had been advertised for sale and donated it to the local Mosque in memory of his father. The residents of the area developed this property and wanted to vacate the old mosque and move to the new place for prayers for Ramadan as it had more space. More importantly, they felt that the move would cause less conflict with the Buddhists and their temple which was very close to the old mosque. The local Buddhists residents were well aware of these developments, but regretfully, when the Muslims attempted to move in to the new place at the beginning of Ramadan, outside elements had arrived to protest and thus started the new round of conflict. They had also been rumors saying that there would be two mosques in Swarna Chaitya road, which definitely was not the case. They also brought out the fact that building approvals had not been obtained from the local authorities. There is some truth in this but I would like to ask them whether they have statutory approvals for all the Buddhist and Catholic statutes put-up at every street corner and three wheeler parking areas? Do they have approval for causing sound pollution with Bana recital through load speakers in these public places? We have supreme court approval for azan. In my opinion, the new mosque was a private property which was renovated by the private owners and donated to a religious institution for their religious needs. The state did not donate it, nor was it stolen from a non-Muslim. So, what bugs the Buddhists about this mosque or any other mosque we would want to build with our private money? Allhamdu Lillah, The conflict was amicable settled at the Meeting on the 10th at Buddha Sassana Minsitry, but regretfully, the Buddhists again failed to comply with their side of commitments. It was agreed that both Bo-trees would be cut the next day and when some of them attempted to remove the B0-tree, elements from outside once again protested. Further, rumors had been spread that private properties adjoining the old mosque were to be acquired by the UDA and donated to the mosque.So, the conflict continues. Dear Brothers and Sisters, let us not aggravate this situation by trying to gain mean political advantage over (manape) the preference vote. If Faizer and Fouzie continue in SLFP politics, it would be an advantage for them to work together on these issues and gain the confidence of the Muslim voters so that both of them could be elected through the Muslim vote in Colombo. I kindly urge all of you NOT add fuel to the political fire between Hon. Fouzie and Faizer. Those Muslims who prefer to vote SLFP should ensure that they work together. May Allah (SWT) enlighten us to take the correct path.
Posted on: Thu, 15 Aug 2013 07:34:17 +0000
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