Colombo, Sri Lanka – Muslim lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties have joined forces to demand the immediate release of a shipment of Tamil-translated Qur’ans that has been blocked at Colombo Customs for more than a year.
The detained shipment, Container No. FSCU 8233306, reportedly arrived in Sri Lanka in May 2024 but has since been held on the instructions of a former Ministry of Defence official. The consignment was printed by the King Fahd Glorious Qur’an Printing Complex in Saudi Arabia—an internationally recognized institution for the publication of authentic Qur’anic texts.
Joint Appeal by Muslim MPs
In a letter addressed to Minister of Religious Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Muslim parliamentarians—including Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer—condemned the detention as a violation of the constitutional rights of Sri Lankan Muslims. They cited Chapter III of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and equality before the law.
“This continued detention of Tamil Qur’an copies is unconstitutional and discriminatory on both religious and linguistic grounds,” the MPs wrote. “No such restrictions have been imposed on religious texts belonging to other faiths.”
The lawmakers pointed out that previous shipments of identical Tamil Qur’an editions had been cleared without objection and are currently in circulation in households and online platforms across the country.
Concerns Over Arbitrary Review Process
The MPs also demanded the dissolution of the ad hoc review committee reportedly established to assess Islamic publications. They described the committee as arbitrary, non-transparent, and biased, claiming it unfairly targets Muslim religious materials.
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Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has launched its own investigation, requesting an official report from Customs authorities. Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has also sought updates regarding the incident.
Rising Concerns About Religious Freedom
The ongoing controversy has reignited debates around religious freedom, linguistic rights, and institutional accountability in Sri Lanka. Muslim leaders, civil society groups, and interfaith advocates warn that such discriminatory practices could deepen divisions and threaten the country’s fragile intercommunal harmony.
“This is not just about a shipment—it’s about respecting the fundamental rights of every faith community in our nation,” said one Muslim activist in Colombo.
As the dispute unfolds, many are urging the government to take swift action to uphold Sri Lanka’s constitutional commitment to religious equality and cultural diversity.
