The Consul General of Sri Lanka His Excellency Ambassador Falah Mawlana Seyed Muhammad visits the Secretary General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, His Excellency Professor Koutoub Moustapha Sano, on Thursday 11 Ramadan 1445 H corresponding to 21 March 2024 at the headquarters of the Academy in Jeddah the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Ambassador Muhammad was accompanied by Mr. Fazil Farook Head of Chancery and Dr. Ashraff Nuhman Administrative and Development Officer at the Consulate General.

Upon the arrival of the delegation at the International Islamic Fiqh Academy in Jeddah, they were received by His Excellency Professor Sano.

His Excellency Ambassador Muhammad expressed their delight at visiting the Academy and thanking the Academy for the opportunity and excellent reception. His Excellency then gave an overview of the Muslim community in Sri Lanka noting that the Muslims in Sri Lanka are well integrated in the Sri Lankan society and they are having all the privileges as citizens. His Excellency the Ambassador added: “ Your Excellency the Secretary General we would like the Academy to have collaborative relations and cooperation with our educational and religious institutions in order that they can benefit from the wealth of experience of the scholars of the Academy and its other programmes. He reiterates that the role of the Academy is central to clarify the position of Islam on several juristic issues and to correct some of the misconceptions about Islam, looking forward for more collaborative activities.

On his part, Professor Sano welcomed the honourable guests of the Academy for this kind visit. He then presented an overview of the Academy, its vision and mission to the honourable delegation. He particularly pointed out that the Academy is the primary reference for member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, entrusted with clarifying jurisprudential views on calamities and new developments from family issues to financial matters. He states: “we are really happy with your visit and look forward to working closely with educational institutions in Sri Lanka in order to promote peaceful coexistence and social cohesion”.

His Excellency Professor Sano reiterated the fact that Muslims should be proud of being citizens of Sri Lanka and be fully integrated noting that there is no contradiction between being a good Muslim and a good citizen. His Excellency Prof. Sano welcomed the idea of having an MOU with relevant institutions in Sri Lanka as advised by the General consulate.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Mohamed Mondher Redha Chouk, Director of Cabinet, Protocols, and Legal Affairs, Dr. Faiz Al-Abideen, Special advisor to the Secretary General of the Academy and Dr Alhagi Manta Drammeh, Head of International Cooperation and External Relations at the Academy.