National security concerns raised over Dy. Minister’s proposal

2026-02-13 - 10:29

General Secretary of Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero has said that the Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs – Mohamed Munir Mulaffer, has informed the Ministry Secretary to appoint a new Waqf Board. Speaking during a media briefing held yesterday (Feb. 12) in Colombo,Ven. Gnanasara Thero noted that the religious views held by the individuals proposed for this board are highly extremist and rigid in ideology and warned such appointments could pose a serious risk to the country’s national security. He further claimed that there are significant concerns regarding the Deputy Minister’s own religious outlook, and that the manner in which he is acting appears to lend support to religious extremism. The Thera noted that the Waqf Board is responsible for the administration of all mosques in the country and, while the institution must remain independent, appointing individuals with extremist leanings would be harmful to the nation. Ven. Gnanasara Thera continued, “What we said at the time was not heeded by politicians or the security authorities. Had they listened to us, the Easter attacks would not have happened, and more than 200 lives would not have been lost.” “Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer is now attempting to establish a new Waqf Board. The inclusion of certain individuals who should not be nominees has become a serious issue. I have 08 names; except for 02, the other 06 raise doubts. If possible, we request that the affidavits of these 08 be submitted. Because extremism was not identified in time back then, a tragedy such as the Easter attacks occured. These extremist groups radicalise youth. This has a direct impact on national security. We call for an immediate inquiry into these appointments and necessary action. I have sent a four-page letter to the President, party secretaries, and the monks of all Nikayas. There has still been no response. From today onwards, there is little point in continuing to speak about this. Now, a Waqf Board has already been established,” he added.