MOHAMMED RASOOLDEEN
COLOMBO- Former Director of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs, A.B.M.Ashraff who was transferred to the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Council and Local Government on Thursday July 22 has said that he was asked to seek a transfer from his workplace.
In a letter addressed to Ashraff, Secretary to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana,Religious and Cultural Affairs, Kapila Gunawardena said that he had transferred him with effect from Thursday,July 22. Gunawardena said that the transfer was effected on a request made by Ashraff for a change in his workplace.
The Ministry of Buddha Sasana,Religious and Cultural Affairs functions under Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Following the transfer of Ashraff to
Ashraff said in his FB page : “ I was asked to seek a transfer and move out. It is not the first time I get a transfer but it is the first time it happened this way during my 24 years in SLAS.”
In a sarcastic tone, Ashraff further hinted : “ Congratulations to the plotters and supporters.”
“ A big thanks to PM and the Secretary and those who were supportive both at the department and the ministry for their understanding and support all these days. Will reveal the plot and the plotters very soon. It is not over yet.” he concluded.
Colombo Times learnt that a group of Muslim parliamentarians which is supporting the ruling government had requested Prime Minister Mahinda Rakapaksa personally requesting the removal of Ashraff from the post of director at the Muslim Relgious and Cultural Affairs.
It was alleged that Ashraff was instrumental in taking a decision taken by the Wakfs Board to disallow slaughtering Qurbani animals within the mosque premises in the island.
Ashraff, who took over the post of director Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs in January,2019, was asked to hand over his office documents to A.L.M.Anver Ali, Assistant Director of the same department.
