'BBS Has Distorted Facts About Quran' - Faizer

Investor Promotions Deputy Minister Faizer Mustapha stated that the Bodu Bala Sena has distorted facts about the Holy Quran.

"The Holy Quran, to us Muslims, is the word of God and our undisputed guide. The above statement is mischievous, derogatory of the Holy Quran and gravely blasphemous. This is not the only occasion on which the BBS is reported to have deliberately misquoted the Holy Quran. It was widely reported in the media that on 17th of March, 2013, at a meeting held by the BBS in Kandy, a person said to be a Buddhist monk, had, in the course of his address stated that the Holy Quran requires a Muslim to spit into food served to non Muslims. This is an enormous lie and is a figment of the imagination of the speaker concerned. It is most distressing that such statements should emanate from persons who have adopted the saffron robe, which is held in universal esteem and who claims to follow the teachings of Lord Buddha. The compassion and tolerance preached by the Buddha resonate with each of us and represent common values to which we can all relate. These actions are a negation of such noble teachings and are indulged in by a highly vocal but miniscule group," the Deputy Minister said issuing a statement on Tuesday. 

"I am a strong believer in a united Sri Lanka and I have tirelessly advocated a Sri Lankan identity. I have had the privilege of being elected to Parliament from the Kandy District, a predominantly Sinhala Buddhist electorate. I have also had the honour of working under the guidance of Most Ven. Mahanayakes on a number of projects of importance to Buddhists. Our beloved country needs to come together as one nation. We have emerged from a 30 year old conflict and the Government is engaged in a process of reconciliation coupled with development. These misguided elements should appreciate that such actions greatly threaten the efforts to arrive at a Sri Lankan identity and would destabilize the country. Whilst condemning these acts, I appeal to these misguided elements to refrain from such despicable conduct. I am sure that all right thinking Sri Lankans would echo this sentiment," he also added.