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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

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Our heartfelt wishes in welcoming the year 2024!

While we treasure the memories of 2023, let’s take a moment to remember the members who passed away in our community and our brothers and sisters in the ongoing war in Palestine and other parts of the world.

Wishing you all a wonderful year in 2024, abundant with love, a healthy life, prosperity, joyful moments that make lasting memories, along with a much-needed world economic uphill.

We pray for a war-free, peaceful year in 2024 for all in this New Year and beyond.

President and Executive Members of the Council of Sri Lankan Muslim Organisations (COSMOS UK)

 

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Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in the Gaza Strip

Council of Sri Lankan Muslim Organisations UK (COSMOS – UK) Strongly supports the Global Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza to Prevent a Humanitarian Catastrophe, punish the aggressors and end the illegal occupation of Palestine Lands. COSMOS – UK, an umbrella organization for Sri Lankan Muslim organizations based in the UK, urgently appeals for an immediate and unconditional cease-fire in Gaza, to avert indiscriminate loss of civilian life and humanitarian catastrophe. Anything less will forever be a stain on the global collective conscience.

More than two million people in the Gaza Strip are struggling to survive amidst Israel’s indiscriminate and relentless attacks in Gaza which have reportedly resulted in the death toll surpassing 14,100, including over 5,000 children, more than 3,000 women and 201 medical personnel, thus exacerbating this humanitarian crisis to catastrophic levels. An entire population is besieged and under attack, denied access to the essentials for survival, bombed in their homes, shelters, hospitals and places of worship. According to UN experts, grave violations committed by Israel against Palestinians in both Gaza and West Bank in the aftermath of 7 October, particularly in Gaza, point to a genocide in the making.

COSMOS thus views with extreme concern about the continuous silence of the international community about Israeli Government’s unacceptable collective punishment of the population of Gaza through siege, the scale of the military assault and its atrocious death toll, and the forcible transfer of civilians within the territory, as well as the continuing land and home incursions and demolitions in the West Bank and settler violence against Palestinian communities. COSMOS reiterates that the cycles of violence, apartheid and impunity must be broken, the aggressors should be held criminally accountable. The injustice faced by the Palestinians has lingered for almost a century, spanning multiple generations and causing immense suffering; it cannot continue any longer. As UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres stated, ‘the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum.’ Further CEO of OXFAM Dr Dhananjayan Sriskandarajah stated “What Israel does is a collective punishment and Our Political leaders don’t have the moral courage to call for a ceasefire”.

COSMOS UK, therefore underlines the imperative need for urgent action and calls upon the international community to do everything in its power to bring about an immediate ceasefire, facilitate the provision of humanitarian aid to all in need, punish the illegal occupiers of Palestinian lands for their war crimes and impunity and accelerate the political processes to realize the Palestinian aspiration of their own homeland without any further delay.

May Almighty bring peace and tranquillity to all in this world, especially for the people of Palestine who are suffering immensely through this war.

M Shakeer Nawas

President, Cosmos UK

Signed:

1. Sri Lankan Muslim Cultural Centre UK – SLMCC – Harrow

2. Sri Lanka Muslim Association – UK, (Slough)

3. Darul Ilm – Sri Lankan Muslim Community of East London

4. Sri Lankan Muslim Community Foundation of Milton Keynes

5. Kingsbury Islamic Learning Centre

6. Sri Lankan Islamic Association (SLIA)

7. Sri Lankan Islamic Forum – (SLIF UK)

8. Inter Build Aid (IBA)

9. Sri Lankan Muslim Association – South London (SLMASL)

10. Sri Lanka Assembly of Muslims

11. Sri Lankan Integrated Cultural Association Gr.Manchester & Northwest (SLICAM MANCHESTER)

12. Sri Lanka Bolton Community (SLBC)

13. West Yorkshire Sri Lankan Muslim Association

14. Sri Lankan Islamic Forum of Liverpool (SLFIL)

15. Sri Lankan Liverpool Association of Muslims (SLLAM)

16. Galhinna Welfare Association

17. AL Furqan (Luton)

18. World Forum for Sri Lankan Muslims (UK Chapter)

19. Sri Lanka Muslims Society UK (25 Leicester based Umbrella Organisations

***Download the original press release here: PRESS RELEASE