Steps have been taken to re-export the Holy Quran (Tamil translation) seized by the Customs, said Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath. He said this while addressing a media briefing to announce cabinet decisions.
He further said that the holy Quran (Tamil translation) was imported in violation of customs regulations and the importer has agreed to re-export the holy Quran (Tamil translation) to India.
“We have no problem with the content of the Holy Quran. The problem is with the way it was imported. There is a defect in the way it was imported, because customs rules have been violated. Therefore, the importers have agreed to re-export it,” the minister said.
However, last week, all Muslim members of parliament representing the government and the opposition requested the Minister of Religious Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, to intervene for its immediate release.
In a letter signed by all Muslim members of parliament, including Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Munir Mulafar, they said that the consignment (container number FSCU 8233306) was illegally detained by Sri Lanka Customs on May 16, 2024, following the intervention of the former Secretary to the Ministry of Defense, claiming to be acting on behalf of the Sri Lankan government.