COLOMBO : Dewatagaha Mosque chairman claims Rs one billion from the Wakf for removing unlawfully from his post .
In a letter addressed to the director of the department of Criminal Investigations Colombo, M Reyyaz S Salley has said : “ I have served as a Trustee of the Dewatagaha Mosque under the Waqf Board of Sri Lanka since September 2009 and subsequently held the office of Chairman until recently.
I am writing to formally complain that on January 14, 2026, following a conspiracy by certain parties, the Waqf Board convened a meeting and summarily removed me from the position of Chairman and Trustee. This action was taken without any prior notice, without conducting a proper inquiry, and in a highly irregular and biased manner following a very brief discussion. This unlawful removal has caused me immense reputational damage.
I request a comprehensive investigation into the underlying fraud, corruption, and the misuse of legal procedures involved in this decision. I further state the following:
Administrative Irregularities: Due to the biased and irregular administration of the Waqf Board, the affairs of the Dewatagaha Mosque and Shrine have fallen into a regrettable state. The Board is currently attempting to appoint “Special Trustees” in violation of the Waqf Act.
Baseless Allegations: The Board has leveled accusations against me while acting as both accuser and judge. Despite clear evidence that mosque funds have been properly reinvested for the development of the premises and have not been misappropriated, a decision was reached without an independent or full inquiry.
Constitutional Violations: Influenced by one or two individual members, the Waqf Board has made a biased decision to appoint new trustees in violation of the Mosque’s constitution. According to the constitution, new trustees must be selected by the current trustees and then submitted to the Waqf Board for approval.
Improper Appointments: I have learned that a member of the Waqf Board, on his own initiative, has proposed nine names (including five of the current trustees) for appointment. This is a direct violation of the constitution. It appears this rushed decision was made to secure his preferred selections before the Waqf Board’s term expires in early February.
This sequence of unlawful actions has caused me professional and personal damages amounting to approximately One Billion Rupees (Rs. 1,000,000,000/-). I am prepared to produce all relevant documents and evidence during the investigation of this complaint.
I kindly request you to conduct a formal inquiry into this matter and ensure that justice is served.
Yours faithfully,
(Signature)
Mohamed Reyyaz Sanoon Salley .'”
