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16th Anniversary Commemoration of the End of Sri Lanka’s 30-Year Civil War


On 1st June 2025, the Sri Lanka Ex-Service Persons’ Association in the UK (SLESPA-UK) hosted a solemn multi-faith religious ceremony at the London Buddhist Vihara to mark the 16th anniversary of the end of Sri Lanka’s decades-long civil war. The event honoured the sacrifices made during the conflict and invoked blessings for all those affected.

The ceremony united religious dignitaries from Buddhism, Hinduism, Catholicism, and Islam, who offered prayers for lasting peace and prosperity in Sri Lanka. The Most Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala Thero, Chief Sangha Nayake of Great Britain and Chief Incumbent of the London Buddhist Vihara, led the Buddhist observances, which included offerings to the Buddha and the monastic community, followed by the sharing of merit and blessings.

Officials from the Sri Lankan High Commission in London, along with other distinguished guests, were also in attendance.

Representing the Islamic community, Ash Sheikh Abdullah Ibrahim, Imam of the Sri Lanka Muslim Cultural Centre (SLMCC Harrow), delivered a moving address reflecting on the nation’s journey toward healing and reconciliation. He acknowledged the profound sacrifices of those affected by the conflict and highlighted the enduring physical and emotional scars borne by many. Emphasising the importance of education, he called for initiatives to inform future generations about the history and lasting consequences of the war.

He urged collective action to rebuild Sri Lanka, grounded in mutual respect and understanding among all communities. His words struck a deep chord with the audience, reinforcing the need for internal and external peace to secure a harmonious future for the nation.

In a poignant moment, Imam Abdullah stated, “Those who sought conflict were consumed by it; those who sought peace can now embrace it.” This sentiment encapsulated the long-term consequences of war and the transformative power of peace. He closed his remarks by stressing the importance of unity and resilience, encouraging continued efforts to nurture coexistence among all Sri Lankan communities.

Also present at the event, representing the Council of Sri Lankan Muslim Organisations (COSMOS UK), was Past President Mr. Liyas Abdul Wahid.
This event reflected the enduring commitment of the Sri Lankan diaspora in the UK to honour the past while working together for a future of reconciliation, mutual respect, and lasting peace.

Cosmos UK Media

 
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Meeting with COSMOS UK ExCo members and Sheikh Arkam Nooramith – Secretary General All Ceylon Jamiyathul Ullama

On 25th April 2025, Cosmos UK Executive members and affiliate members were honoured to host Ifthar with Ash-Sheikh Arkam Nooramith, General Secretary of the All Ceylon Jamiyathul Ullama (ACJU), at the residence of Shakeer Nawas, President of Cosmos UK.

The gathering was a fruitful and meaningful one, further strengthening the ties between Cosmos UK and ACJU. During the meeting, a copy of the book Dying While Muslims on ‘Masked’ in Sri Lanka on cremation authored by Brother Lukman Harees was formally handed over to Sheikh Arkam.

Sheikh Arkam expressed his appreciation for Cosmos UK’s initiatives and engagements. He emphasised the importance of accountability regarding the Janaza cremations, urging efforts to publish the list of those cremated, and to hold those responsible for the decisions to account.

Sheikh Arkam also proposed that ACJU, together with other Muslim organisations in Sri Lanka, organise a commemorative event in April to mark the fifth anniversary of the tragedy and honour the victims. He encouraged Cosmos UK to organise a parallel event in the UK in remembrance.

Overall, the meeting was a success — rich in discussion, the exchange of ideas, and deepening collaboration with leading Muslim organisations.

Cosmos UK Media

 

 

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COSMOS UK – 10th Annual General Meeting

We are pleased to share the COSMOS UK AGM 2024 Report, following the recently concluded AGM held at Al Furqan, Luton.

The report highlights COSMOS UK’s activities and engagements over the past three years, presented in chronological order. It also includes detailed reports from the President, Secretary, and Treasurer, offering insights into our progress and accomplishments.

Additionally, the report features messages from prominent British Sri Lankan organizations and leaders, reflecting the strong relationships and collaborations COSMOS UK has developed.

For a concise overview, the attached presentation slides summarize COSMOS UK’s past achievements and future plans.

You can explore all COSMOS UK press releases at www.cosmosuk.com.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sifan Naeem
General Secretary
COSMOS UK

COSMOS UK AGM 2024 -Public

COSMOS UK – AGM 2024 – Presentation Public

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Letter from the Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake

***Download the original here: Letter

 

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Meet & Greet Session with Dr. Shafi Shihabdeen

 

On 11.09.2024, the Sri Lanka Muslim Cultural Centre in Harrow (SLMCC Harrow), in association with COSMOS UK, hosted a meet-and-greet session with Dr. Shafi Shihabdeen, Senior House Officer in the Gynaecology and Obstetrics Unit at Kurunegala Teaching Hospital, who is on a short visit to the UK. As is well known, the false allegations levelled against Dr. Shafi Shihabdeen and his ‘trial by media’ escalated into a witch hunt following the tragic Easter Sunday terror attacks in 2019. His case stands as a stark example of how fake news and politically motivated narratives can alienate communities and spread discord.

During his speech, Dr. Shafi, after thanking the audience for their presence, shared the excruciating ordeal he faced after his arrest, which was based on fabricated accusations of sterilising pregnant women. He stated, “This was a conspiracy aimed at destroying me and demonizing my community. Part of this well-planned conspiracy involved sections of the media, inciting hate and racism against Muslims.”

Dr. Shafi revealed that he was detained for 46 days under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) by the CID and a further 14 days at Kegalle Prison. He has since been fully exonerated by the courts and reinstated at his original position in the hospital. He expressed deep gratitude to the community for their support and prayers during his ordeal and shared how his faith in Almighty sustained him through the difficult times.

COSMOS UK President, Mr. Shakeer Nawas stated on how Dr. Shafi’s case serves as a bitter lesson for the country, illustrating how hate-fueled politics and media-led Islamophobia can destroy peace and harmony. He also noted how Dr. Shafi’s case was recently referenced by anti-Islam campaigner Tommy Robinson, who used it to spread hatred and Islamophobia against British Muslims on X (formerly Twitter) Furthermore, Mr. Shakeer emphasised COSMOS UK’s ongoing engagement with bodies such as the Muslim Council of Britain, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and APPG Cosmos to highlight the grievances and issues faced by Sri Lankan Muslims to relevant authorities in the UK.

Dr. Jawahir, Past Secretary and General Committee member of SLMCC, and a close friend of Dr. Shafi, from their time at the University of Sri Jayawardenapura’s medical faculty, also shared fond memories of their friendship and experiences as students.

Mr. Segu Razeen, President of SLMCC Harrow, Trustees of the mosque, and members of the public engaged in a lively Q&A sessions, which was warmly appreciated by the audience.

Arshad Ibrahim, Trustee of SLMCC Harrow, delivered the vote of thanks.

COSMOS UK Media

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Roundtable Meeting with TfL and Muslim Communities

On 29.08.2024, the Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), Sis Zara Mohamed, led a delegation of MCB affiliates and partners in a meeting with the Commissioner for Transport and senior leadership of Transport for London (TfL) to address hate crimes and Islamophobic incidents in the UK. The roundtable discussion took place at the TfL office in London.

It was alarming to learn that only 10 hate or Islamophobic incidents are reported monthly by the Muslim community to TfL, a significantly lower figure compared to other communities’ reports of similar hate crimes.

In his remarks, Shakeer Nawas, President of COSMOS UK, highlighted the following key points:

1. The importance of continuing TfL’s Hate Crime Reporting campaign, with more impactful designs on TfL leaflets that clearly define Islamophobia as a hate crime. He also emphasized the need to prominently display reporting numbers, such as the British Transport Police’s number (101), the text service (61016), or advising individuals to approach the driver’s cab to connect with the TfL control room.

2. The need for TfL to engage more closely with the MCB and grassroots Muslim organizations in their Hate Crime Campaign. He further suggested encouraging mosques, madrasahs, schools, and local community organizations to promote and distribute campaign materials related to reporting Islamophobic or hate crimes.

Zara Mohamed, in her closing remarks, thanked TfL for hosting this important roundtable discussion. She noted the significant underreporting of Islamophobic hate crimes across the transport network, as shown by current statistics. Mohamed expressed her agreement with the need for deeper grassroots engagement and a long-term partnership between TfL and Muslim communities.

COSMOS UK Media

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Mosque and Madrassah Security and Safety briefing with the Honourable Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London

Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,

Shakeer Nawas, President of COSMOS UK, attended the Mayor of London’s Mosque and Madrassah Security and Safety briefing with the Honourable Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, a Deputy Director from the Home Office, the local MP, and several other government representatives and community leaders who graced the occasion. The event, chaired by Shaukat Warraich, CEO of Faith Associates, took place at Al Manaar Mosque in Westbourne Park on 13 August 2024.

The session was highly engaging, featuring meaningful interaction with the Mayor of London, who reiterated the importance of defining Islamophobia in law and closing legal loopholes to ensure that perpetrators of riots and attacks are brought to justice.

Shakeer had the opportunity to speak, expressing his thanks to the police and the Home Office for their handling of recent far-right activities. He also expressed appreciation for the Mayor of London’s initiatives to strengthen engagement with grassroots organisations. Shakeer further highlighted the continuous updates from local MP Gareth Thomas, the proactive efforts of Harrow Council, and the advice provided by the Metropolitan Police to the community regarding the alarming situation prior to the planned riots last Wednesday.

Shakeer also emphasised the importance of government and agencies engaging with the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), the largest Muslim body in the UK, which has been actively involved with grassroots members of the community during these uncertain times.

The Home Office representative encouraged the community to apply for security funds allocated under protective security schemes for mosques and madrasas, with a suggestion to extend this scheme to Muslim faith schools as well. The Commissioner of Police praised the cooperation of the community during this distressing period and urged continued vigilance.

The event concluded with a Q&A session, during which several new ideas and thoughts were shared.



COSMOS UK Media

 
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Meeting Hon S M M Muszhaaraff – MP for Diggamadula

Cosmos UK ExCo members, Sri Lanka Muslim Cultural Centre – Harrow (SLMCC) Trustees, and community members held a meeting organised by Cosmos UK in association with SLMCC Harrow, at the request of the visiting Sri Lankan Member of Parliament, Mr S M M Muszhaaraff, MP for Diggamadula at SLMCC Harrow on 24th July 2024.

Hon Muszhaaraff provided an insightful overview of the current political situation in Sri Lanka, particularly focusing on policies affecting his constituents in Eastern province including issues related to land ownership, Divisional Secretariat grievances, the long-standing tsunami house allocations and the demarcation of archaeological sites on Muslim-owned lands etc. MP also responded to members’ questions, explaining how some of these longstanding issues have been resolved, and shared his experiences in achieving his political goals and advocating for his constituents. We also requested the MP to contribute to and share reports identifying the grievances and concerns of Sri Lankan Muslims, to which the MP kindly agreed to support.

We wish to thank the MP for sharing his valuable insights on parliamentary engagements and for addressing the public’s concerns, particularly those affecting the wider Muslim community in Sri Lanka.

(About COSMOS: The Council of Sri Lankan Muslim Organisations (COSMOS) is a prominent organisation representing the interests and welfare of the Sri Lankan Muslim community in the United Kingdom. COSMOS is committed to fostering unity, promoting cultural heritage, and advancing the socio-economic well-being of its members.)

 

Mr Sifan Naeem

General Secretary- COSMOS UK

 

***Download the original press release here: Press release

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Meeting the Honourable Senator Dr. Zulkifli Bin Hasan, Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs

The Honourable Senator Dr Zulkifli Bin Hasan, Malaysian Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, met with members of British Muslim organisations on Saturday, 3rd August 2024, at the London Muslim Centre in Whitechapel. The meeting was organised by The Cordoba Foundation, and the Honourable Senator was accompanied by officials from the Malaysian High Commission in London.

Shakeer Nawas, President of COSMOS UK, participated in the meeting and commended the Malaysian Government’s forward-thinking approach in providing leadership and acting as a bridge between Western Islamic scholars and their Malaysian counterparts.

The main objectives of the meeting were to strengthen bilateral cooperation and to discuss and share joint research between Muslim scholars in Europe and Malaysia in implementing the Malaysia Madani policy. We understand that further details on this cooperation will be shared in due course.

 

COSMOS UK Media

 

 

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Report on Recap of Activities from January 31st to February 5th, 2024

The Council of Sri Lankan Muslim Organisation (COSMOS UK) experienced an eventful and dynamic
week from January 31st to February 5th, 2024. This period marked a significant milestone in the
organisation’s journey since its establishment in April 2012. The following report provides a detailed
overview of COSMOS UK’s key events and engagements during this period.

Events in Chronological Order:

 1. Meeting with Minister Trevelyan at FCDO (31.01.2024):

On January 31st, 2024, Mr. Shakeer Nawas, President of COSMOS UK, along with Mr. Liyas Abdul
Whaid, Immediate Past President, participated in a high-level discussion with the Rt Hon Anne-Marie
Belinda Trevelyan, Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific at the Foreign Commonwealth Development
Office (FCDO). The meeting focused on addressing pressing issues concerning Sri Lankan Muslims,
including the situation of individuals detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and the
potential impact of legislative measures such as the Anti-Terrorism Bill and Online Safety Bill.

2. 76th Independence Day Commemoration of Sri Lanka (02.02.2024):

COSMOS UK collaborated with the Sri Lanka Muslim Cultural Centre (SLMCC – Harrow) to support
the commemoration of Sri Lanka’s 76th Independence Day on February 2nd, 2024. The event, graced by
H.E. Rohita Bogollagama, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in the UK, witnessed significant
participation from special guests and young British Sri Lankans, marking it as the largest Sri Lanka
Independence Day gathering in the UK, with nearly 280 attendees.

3. Invitation to London Buddhist Vihara (03.02.2024):

COSMOS UK members extended their solidarity and friendship by participating in the 76th
Independence Day celebration at the London Buddhist Vihara on February 3rd, 2024. This engagement
aimed to strengthen bonds with Ven Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thera, the esteemed chief bhikkhu of
the Vihara and Chief Sangha Nayaka of Great Britain.

4. 76th Independence Day Celebrations at SLHC (04.02.2024):

On February 4th, 2024, COSMOS UK members attended the Special Independence Day celebration at
the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London at Hyde Park. President of Cosmos and Mr Hussain Fiyaz
– Vice President of COSMOS honoured the invitation. Mufthi Fhad Faizin of the Sri Lanka Muslim
Cultural Centre – Harrow delivered a speech highlighting the significance of preserving Sri Lankan
heritage. The rendition of the Sri Lanka National Anthem in both Sinhala and Tamil by British Sri
Lankans symbolised unity amidst diversity.

5. Reception for Diplomatic Mission Staff (05.02.2024):

Shakeer Nawas, President of COSMOS UK, received a special invitation to the exclusive reception
hosted by the SLHC on February 5th, 2024, commemorating Sri Lanka’s 76th Independence Day.
Among esteemed diplomatic dignitaries, Shakeer leveraged the opportunity to forge meaningful
connections, fostering cooperation and understanding for future endeavours.

Conclusion:

The week from January 31st to February 5th, 2024, was marked by significant engagements and
achievements for COSMOS UK. Through collaborative efforts and constructive dialogues, the
organisation reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the concerns of Sri Lankan Muslims and
promoting cultural harmony and cooperation within the community. Some clicks of the occasions.

 

 

Reported by:
Sifan Naeem
General Secretary, COSMOS UK

***Download the original press release here: Press release