Role of the National Shūrā Council (NSC) in Establishing Religious Coexistence in Sri Lanka

• Main Authors: Fathima Afra, MR, Ushama, Thameem
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: IIUM Press 2023
• Subjects: BL Religion
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/110066/7/110066_Role%20of%20the%20National%20Sh%C5%ABr%C4%81%20Council%20%28NSC%29%20in%20establishing%20religious%20coexistence.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/110066/; https://journals.iium.edu.my/al-itqan/index.php/al-itqan/article/view/274/170

Sri Lanka is a multi-religious, multi-ethnic, and multicultural country. The Buddhists form the ethnic majority group, while Hindus, Muslims, and Christians are minority groups. The records show that Muslims have a long history of peaceful coexistence with other ethnic groups in Sri Lanka. However, after the civil war ended in 2009, hostilities against Muslim groups increased. Islamic organisations in Sri Lanka are accused of promoting religious extremism and threatening religious harmony. Following the Easter Sunday attacks in 2019, Muslim and Islamic organisations were suspended. In light of these recent events, this research focuses on the role of the National Shoora Council in fostering religious coexistence in Sri Lanka and tries to identify the existing challenges. This is a qualitative study that relies on primary and secondary data. Interviews were conducted with the National Shūrā Council representatives for primary data collection.