A.M.M.MUZAMMIL
COLOMBO :A solemn commemorative event was held on Sunday, 6th April , at the Marine Grand Hall, honoring the victims of Sri Lanka’s 2020 forced cremation policy.
The gathering brought together a diverse, multi-ethnic congregation, jointly organized by nearly 15 civil society organizations, which drew a full-capacity audience—a poignant testament to the enduring solidarity and collective remembrance of the community.
The occasion was graced by an illustrious assembly of distinguished dignitaries, including the Leader of the Opposition,. Sajith Premadasa; Rauff Hakeem; Mujibur Rahuman; Sumanthiran, PC; Faiz Mustapha, PC; Mufti Rizvi; Omar Kamil; and Mohammed Rasooldeen, along with numerous other eminent figures whose presence elevated the significance of the event. Their participation underscored the unity and shared commitment to justice, remembrance, and human dignity.
The event commenced with a poignant recitation of the Qirath by Qari Affan Makhdoom, setting a solemn and reflective tone.
Following this, M.M. Zuhair, PC, the Event Chairman, delivered an inspiring address, emphasizing that the forced cremations, initiated by authorities on 31st March 2020, were in blatant violation of the law. He highlighted that these actions contravened Articles 10 and 14(1)(e) and (f) of the Constitution, which safeguard freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, as well as the freedom to manifest one’s religion or belief. Furthermore,
He pointed out that Section 3(1)(i) of the Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance permits either burial or cremation, underscoring that the enforced cremations grossly infringed upon the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
Sheikh Arkam Nooramith addressed the audience in Tamil, while Mr. M. A. Sumanthiran, P.C., spoke in English. Ven. Galkande Dhammananda Thero and Brother Charles Anthony delivered emotionally resonant and powerful speeches, underscoring the significance of inter-ethnic coexistence.
Mr. Rauff Hazeer recited a poem in Tamil, while a Viridu in Sinhala was delivered by Master Mohamed Umar. Additionally, two video documentaries portraying the heartfelt sentiments and lived experiences of the affected families, presented in Tamil, were screened.
Ms. Shabnam Muzammil delivered a deeply moving English-language poem titled “Faith in Ashes: A Lament for Stolen Sacred Rites.” With haunting lyricism, she gave voice to the collective grief and indignation over the forced cremation of Muslim Janazas—a heart-wrenching injustice that marked one of the darkest chapters in Sri Lanka’s recent history. Her verses poignantly captured the profound trauma and dehumanization endured by the Muslim community, transforming personal and communal sorrow into a powerful act of remembrance and resistance. The poem was initially published in Colombo Tmes.net to mark the fifth anniversary if forced cremation on March 31.
The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Ash-Sheikh Burhan, followed by the closing Dua offered by Ash-Sheikh Abdul Khaliq.
The dedicated members of the organizing committee, under the able leadership of A. B. M. Ashroff, worked tirelessly around the clock to commemorate the victims of forced cremation. The event’s remarkable success was further facilitated by the steadfast support of 15 civil society organizations, including:
National Shoorah Council (NSC), All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU),
All Ceylon Young Men’s Muslim Association (YMMA) Conference, Memon Association of Sri Lanka, Council of Community Initiatives (CCI), Sri Lanka Jama’athe Islami, All Ceylon Union of Muslim League Youth Fronts (ACUMLYF), RPSL, AMYS, MCSL, Colombo District Masjids Federation, Supreme Council of Sufi Thareeqas, COSLAM, SALAMAH, and the Sri Lanka Muslim Civil Society.
Photos Ruzaik Farook
