Sri Lanka Muslims in UK Honour Veteran journalist Latheef Farook
May 25, 2015
The Sri Lankan Muslim community based in UK, at an event held at the Sri Lankan Muslim Cultural Centre (SLMCC) in the London Borough of Harrow honoured veteran Sri Lanka journalist Latheef Farook for his services in highlighting burning Muslim issues in the island and creating awareness both within the community and the country as a whole.
Latheef Farook is now on a three week long lecture tour to brief the Muslims of the current political situation in the country especially the changes taking place since the 8 January 2015 presidential election which brought Mr Maithripala Sirisena to power defeating former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.He was invited by Harrow based SLMCC, which is considered a centre point for SL Muslims in UK.
The plaque and the certificate of appreciation were handed over to LatheefFarook at this special function by SLMCC Chair Mr Mubarak Junaideen.
Addressing the gathering during the function the coordinator of LatheefFarook’s visit Mr Lukman Harees who is also a social activist and a writer had this to state;
Latheef Farook is on a visit to UK to raise awareness regarding the plight of Muslims in Sri Lankans well as the lessons to be learnt from Sri Lanka experience in promoting peaceful coexistence among different communities, and the need for the Sri Lankan Diaspora in UK to support the process of national reconciliation in Sri Lanka
We , the Sri Lankan Muslim Community in UK wish to place on record our Deep Gratitude and sincere appreciation to Brother Farook for the selfless, courageous and forthright role he has been playing, as a senior journalist, authhor and social activitist, particularly in they filed of media, writing and journalism, in highlighting defending and standing up for the interests and rights of Musims, to live as equal, dignified citizens and their proud heritage and history in Sri Lanka,
Brother Farook, with sheer determination, boundless energy and enthusiasm, in many occasions in the past played a pivotal role at much personal sacrifice of time, energy and financial resources, whenever the interests of the community were compromised by vested interests and when certain extremist elements engaged in a concerted and continuous hate campaign against Islam and Muslims. He continues to play the role with increasing vigour.
He has also used his mighty pen to highlight Muslim issues on the global scene as well, Besides, the books he has authored on these areas of concern, will be valuable resources to thegenerations to come to understand the immense challenges which Muslims faced with fortitutde,particularlyt in the recent past, both in Sri Lanka and worldwide,in the correct perspective.
Brother Farook is indeed a remarkable and sincere activist who strives in the greater interests of his own community in Sri Lanka in particular and humanity in gerenal.May Allah SWT reward him long life, good health and peace of mind to continue his indefatigable services to promote national reconciliation in Sri Lanka and to humanity.
Meanwhile Brother Farook also spoke to the audience explaining the prevailing politicalsituation in Sri Lanka in its true perspective followed by a lively question and answer session
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