The Sri Lankan Muslim Media Forum (SLMMF) marked a milestone this month as it successfully completed 21 years of dedicated service to the country and the Muslim Community. As it steps into its 22nd year, it is timely to have a brief look at its inception, achievements, growth and importantly, the crucial role, that it has taken to promote peace and understanding in Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum celebrated this momentous occasion with its Annual General Meeting, at the new auditorium of the Department of Information at Kirulapona Avenue in Colombo 5 on July 31.
Inception of the SLMMF
The SLMMF had its inception, when it was formed with just 39 members at Hotel Ranmuthu on June 19, 2006 under the able leadership of veteran journalist late S.B.C. Halaldeen with N.M Ameen as General Secretary. Of Lake House fame, Ameen, an expert in journalism has been the President for over 10 years,being a tower of strength and a source of inspiration for other members to carry out their SLMMF duties with him responsibly. His eloquence, dedication, simplicity and personality have attracted a large number of Muslim journalists and others who are interested in the media to join the SLMMF as its loyal members.
SLMMF, the Voice of Muslims
Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum has got the unique recognition and reputation of being the Voice of the Muslim Community. When this community is taken for a ride or taken for granted by any government agencies or organisations or any other bodies or entities, it is the SLMMF that gives a wake up call to powerful Muslim politicians to take action. For the last 22 years, the SLMMF has been fighting for jobs for Muslims as only a handful of them get appointments in the government sector except in the field of teaching. The SLMMF always acts as the conduit between Muslim Ministers/politicians and their issues ranging from land to water. It held a press conference at Renuka Hotel on January 5, 2017 to dispel the doubts about the land issue in Wilpattu in the Mannar district. Many Muslim Ministers including Rishad Bathiudeen attended this gathering to clear doubts and a large number of journalists who were present there got the correct picture of this issue. Similarly, when the recent unwanted incidents occurred in Kandy, it worked tirelessly to control the situation. The SLMMF separately met the President, Prime Minister and the important Ministers to urge the Government to take immediate action to stop the unwanted attack on innocent Muslims.