Issuing a joint statement a short while ago five Muslim ministers of the government have refuted claims of terrorist and extremist groups within the Muslim community of Sri Lanka.

Five ministers of the ruling party namely Rauff Hakeem, A H M Fowzie, Rishad Bathiudeen, Basheer Segu Dawood and A L M Athaullah have signed the letter on behalf of the Muslim community. In the statement they added that such unfounded attributions would only add more salt to the wound.

In the joint statement they claimed that vested interests are behind such propaganda, bent on scene in Sri Lanka, the emergence of terrorism.

" It is our fervent hope that the respective national authorities upholding the rule of law, without demonizing the Muslim community as a whole, will tackle this particular instance, or any instance of similar nature", the statement said.

" As representatives of the Muslim community we would like to assure however that neither we nor our community in Sri Lanka would under any circumstances support terrorism or tolerate any group promoting or engaging in terrorism directed against any country, people or community", the statement also added.

The Muslim ministers also expressed willingness to assist any process that may strengthen national unity, create a violent free society, achieve progress and prosperity and enhance friendship with all communities.