Muslim Army Officers

An Investigation into Loss of Trust

The need for a systematic inquiry into the reasons that undermined Sinhala-Muslim relationships, and to prevent such incidents from occurring in the face of narrow racial prejudices is felt even more today. If such a program is carried out among the Muslim community internally, there is sure to be conclusive results. Asad Isadin, a Brigadier of the Sri Lanka Army, is trying to do exactly that.

“It was customary for Sinhala villagers to hand over their valuables for safe-keeping to our people when they go on pilgrimages. Until they return from the pilgrimage, their valuables were protected by the “Gamey Naanaa’ (Muslims of the village). That trust has been shattered today”. The Sinhala voice emerges from the Mohideen Jumma Mosque on the North Shore Road, Trincomalee. In order to prevent such incidents from occurring again and to safeguard Muslims from becoming victims of racism, Brigadier of the Sri Lanka Army, Asad Isadin, is attempting to diligently investigate the reasons that have undermined the once mutual friendship between Sinhalese and Muslims.

A group of senior Muslim military officers who are active in the Sri Lanka Army are visiting Muslim communities and reviewing the events that took place with the intention of sharing with them the message that in the future, such incidents should not happen in the name of the community. The program, spearheaded by Lieutenant General Mahesh Perera, the present Army Commander, was an excellent idea to discuss and overcome doubt and fear among the Muslim and Sinhalese communities.

“Earlier too, we had to face similar situations during the clashes in Beruwala and Digana. The Muslim communities are a part of the ethnic composition of this country and it is natural to have shortcomings and lapses when people live together. This message of brotherhood should be carried to our religious places and explained to the new generations,” Brigadier Isadin explained. Violence is not a part of Islam, Muslims should continue the bonds of friendship and solidarity with fellow Sinhalese and Tamils, and think carefully about the reasons that have damaged the mutual trust.

“We are living here in Sri Lanka, not in Saudi Arabia. If we can teach our children Sinhala before we teach Arabic, problems won’t get worse. Language is the most powerful tool for peace and reconciliation,”  Brigadier Asad said.