TORONTO
Sri Lankan Muslim Expatriates’ Council has expressed its concerns over the absence of a Muslim parliamentarian in the newly appointed cabinet and has urged the Sri Lankan president to include at least a member of the Muslim community to maintain an ethnic balance in the council of ministers..The letter is given below
H.E. Anura Kumara Dissanayake
President
Democratic Socialistic Republic of Sri Lanka
Presidential Secretariat, Galle Face, Colombo 01, Sri Lanka.
Dear Mr. President,
NPP’s First Cabinet Appointments: A Missed Opportunity for Inclusiveness
We deeply appreciate the openness of your Excellency to be challenged whenever the government
makes decisions that may not fully represent the interests of all communities in Sri Lanka. This
moment is one such instance, and we feel it is our responsibility to bring it to your Excellency’s
attention, with the hope that corrective measures will ensure all communities are unified under one
vision for the progress and prosperity of our beloved country.
The appointment of the NPP’s first cabinet has raised significant concerns regarding inclusiveness in
governance. Since independence, Sri Lanka has grappled with a non-inclusive and non-
accommodative political order, fostering divisions among its citizens. One of the most tragic
outcomes of this exclusionary governance was the long and devastating civil war.
The Aragalaya movement served as a beacon of hope, uniting communities across Sri Lanka to
demand a more inclusive and equitable political order. Riding on this wave of collective aspiration,
the NPP achieved a landslide victory in both the Presidential and General Elections, buoyed by
substantial support from Northern and Eastern Tamils and Muslims.
However, the first cabinet appointments by the NPP have been disappointing. The cabinet includes
only Buddhists and representatives from the upcountry Tamil community, while Tamils and Muslims
from the North and East have been sidelined. Though the NPP has justified these appointments on
the basis of merit, this explanation has not resonated with the public. First impressions matter, and
this decision appears to reflect a continuation of the same exclusionary political order that the NPP
pledged to reform.
The Impact of Excluding Muslim Representation
Excluding Muslims from cabinet representation has far-reaching consequences for Sri Lanka’s social
and political landscape:
- Increased Marginalization:
The lack of Muslim representation exacerbates feelings of systemic discrimination and
alienation among the Muslim population, which constitutes approximately 9% of Sri Lanka’s
demographic. Historical patterns of exclusion have already fueled grievances, making this
decision particularly harmful. - Undermining National Unity:
Governance that lacks diversity undermines efforts to promote inclusivity and unity in Sri
Lanka’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. This exclusion risks deepening communal
divides and alienating Muslim communities, which are essential to long-term reconciliation
and stability. - Escalation of Tensions:
Systematic underrepresentation can amplify frustrations within the Muslim community,
increasing the risk of unrest or protests. Feeling excluded from key policy decisions could lead
to greater mistrust and dissatisfaction, potentially destabilizing the nation further. - International Reputational Damage:
Exclusion of minorities, including Muslims, often attracts criticism from international
organizations and human rights bodies. Persistent patterns of discrimination harm Sri Lanka’s
global reputation, potentially straining international relations and foreign support. - Missed Opportunities for Reconciliation:
This exclusion undermines Sri Lanka’s commitment to reconciliation and equitable
governance. Including Muslim representatives in the cabinet would have signaled a
meaningful step toward rebuilding trust and achieving long-overdue justice for marginalized
communities.
Call for Inclusiveness and Accountability
As members of civil society, we worked tirelessly to mobilize support for the NPP, advocating for
social justice, anti-corruption measures, inclusiveness, and transparent governance. However, the
exclusion of Muslim and Tamil voices from the first cabinet has sent a clear message that
inclusiveness is not yet a priority for this government.
We emphasize that Tamils and Muslims are not second-class citizens of Sri Lanka. It is essential to
address this misstep immediately, as the damage caused by such exclusionary practices cannot easily
be undone. While we recognize the need for negotiation and patience, we also firmly believe in our
right to question decisions that perpetuate inequality, as per the assurances given by the leadership
during the election campaign.
This moment serves as a powerful reminder that inclusiveness in governance is not merely a moral
imperative but an absolute necessity for national unity and progress. Moving forward, we will
carefully evaluate our next steps based on the demands of our communities and the broader vision
of achieving a truly inclusive Sri Lanka.
While wishing your Excellency and the newly appointed cabinet success, we urge you to address this
matter promptly. It is our hope that inclusiveness and equitable representation will define the
governance of Sri Lanka under the NPP, paving the way for a harmonious and prosperous future for
all citizens. - Signed by Sameem Mohamed-chairman and Hasan Mubarak- secretary