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Cyclone Ditwah Aftermaths in Sri Lanka

People transfer goods in floodwater after heavy rains on the outskirts of Colombo, Sri Lanka, on November 29, 2025. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a State of Public Emergency effective on Friday, as the country confronts one of its worst weather-related disasters in recent years. Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Cyclone Ditwah Aftermaths in Sri Lanka

People evacuate by boat in floodwater after heavy rains on the outskirts of Colombo, Sri Lanka, on November 29, 2025. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a State of Public Emergency effective on Friday, as the country confronts one of its worst weather-related disasters in recent years. Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Cyclone Ditwah Aftermaths in Sri Lanka

People transfer goods in floodwater after heavy rains on the outskirts of Colombo, Sri Lanka, on November 29, 2025. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a State of Public Emergency effective on Friday, as the country confronts one of its worst weather-related disasters in recent years. Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Cyclone Ditwah Aftermaths in Sri Lanka -

People evacuate by wading through floodwater after heavy rains on the outskirts of Colombo, Sri Lanka, on November 29, 2025. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a State of Public Emergency effective on Friday, as the country confronts one of its worst weather-related disasters in recent years. Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Cyclone Ditwah Aftermaths in Sri Lanka -

People evacuate by wading through floodwater after heavy rains on the outskirts of Colombo, Sri Lanka, on November 29, 2025. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a State of Public Emergency effective on Friday, as the country confronts one of its worst weather-related disasters in recent years. Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Cyclone Ditwah Aftermaths in Sri Lanka -

People evacuate by boat in floodwater after heavy rains on the outskirts of Colombo, Sri Lanka, on November 29, 2025. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a State of Public Emergency effective on Friday, as the country confronts one of its worst weather-related disasters in recent years. Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Emperor meets with Sri Lankan president

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (R) accompanies Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake out of the front door of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo after their meeting on Sept. 30, 2025. (Pool photo)

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Emperor meets with Sri Lankan president

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (R) greets Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Sept. 30, 2025. (Pool photo)

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Emperor meets with Sri Lankan president

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (R) greets Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Sept. 30, 2025. (Pool photo)

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Emperor meets with Sri Lankan president

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (R) greets Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Sept. 30, 2025. (Pool photo)

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Japan-Sri Lanka talks

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (2nd from R) holds talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake (far L) at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Sept. 29, 2025.

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Japan-Sri Lanka talks

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (2nd from R) holds talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake (far L) at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Sept. 29, 2025.

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Japan-Sri Lanka talks

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (R) shakes hands with Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Sept. 29, 2025.

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Former Sri Lankan President Wickremesinghe Arrested - Colombo

Former Sri Lankan president Ranil Wickremesinghe is arrested in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Aug. 22, 2025. Wickremesinghe was arrested on Friday by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over alleged misuse of state funds, state media reported. Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Traditional Sri Lankan Mask Making - Sri Lanka

A traditional Sri Lankan mask maker paints a wooden mask in Gonapola village, Sri Lanka on June 25, 2025. The southern region of Sri Lanka, especially south of Colombo, is famous for the making and use of wooden masks, which play an important role in rituals and dances. Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Traditional Sri Lankan Mask Making - Sri Lanka

A traditional Sri Lankan mask maker cuts a wooden block to create a mask in Gonapola village, Sri Lanka on June 25, 2025. The southern region of Sri Lanka, especially south of Colombo, is famous for the making and use of wooden masks, which play an important role in rituals and dances. Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Traditional Sri Lankan Mask Making - Sri Lanka

A traditional Sri Lankan mask maker shows a wooden mask in Gonapola village, Sri Lanka on June 25, 2025. The southern region of Sri Lanka, especially south of Colombo, is famous for the making and use of wooden masks, which play an important role in rituals and dances. Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Traditional Sri Lankan Mask Making - Sri Lanka

A traditional Sri Lankan mask maker paints a wooden mask in Gonapola village, Sri Lanka on June 25, 2025. The southern region of Sri Lanka, especially south of Colombo, is famous for the making and use of wooden masks, which play an important role in rituals and dances. Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Elephant Keeper Bathes His Elephant - Sri Lanka

A Sri Lankan elephant keeper bathes his elephant in a public park before night duty for the Navam Perahera festival in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, February 11, 2025. Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Elephant Keeper Bathes His Elephant - Sri Lanka

A Sri Lankan elephant keeper bathes his elephant in a public park before night duty for the Navam Perahera festival in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, February 11, 2025. Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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China-Sri Lanka talks

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (L) chats with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping during his welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Jan. 15, 2025, prior to their talks. (Pool photo)

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China-Sri Lanka talks

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (bottom, R) receives a guard of honor during his welcome ceremony with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Jan. 15, 2025, prior to their talks. (Pool photo)

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Parliamentary Election Day - Sri Lanka

People wait to cast their votes at a polling station in Gampaha, Sri Lanka on Nov. 14, 2024. Voting in the Sri Lankan parliamentary election began on Thursday morning at 7:00 a.m. local time after the opening of polling stations across the South Asian country. Over 8,000 candidates are contesting the election, with over 17 million eligible voters participating. The Sri Lankan parliament consists of 225 seats, with 113 needed to form a majority government. Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Parliamentary Election Day - Sri Lanka

An electoral official carries a ballot box to a counting center in Gampaha, Sri Lanka, on Nov. 14, 2024. Voting closed in the Sri Lankan parliamentary election on Thursday at 4 p.m. local time (1030 GMT) and the counting of ballots will start by 4:30 p.m., according to the Sri Lankan Election Commission. Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Parliamentary Election Day - Sri Lanka

People vote at a polling station in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Nov. 14, 2024. Voting in the Sri Lankan parliamentary election began on Thursday morning at 7:00 a.m. local time after the opening of polling stations across the South Asian country. Over 8,000 candidates are contesting the election, with over 17 million eligible voters participating. The Sri Lankan parliament consists of 225 seats, with 113 needed to form a majority government. Photo by Chen Dongshu/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Parliamentary Election Day - Sri Lanka

An electoral official carries a ballot box in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Nov. 14, 2024. Voting closed in the Sri Lankan parliamentary election on Thursday at 4 p.m. local time (1030 GMT) and the counting of ballots will start by 4:30 p.m., according to the Sri Lankan Election Commission. Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Parliamentary Election Day - Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (L, front) leaves a polling station after casting his vote in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Nov. 14, 2024. Voting in the Sri Lankan parliamentary election began on Thursday morning at 7:00 a.m. local time after the opening of polling stations across the South Asian country. Over 8,000 candidates are contesting the election, with over 17 million eligible voters participating. The Sri Lankan parliament consists of 225 seats, with 113 needed to form a majority government. Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Parliamentary Election Day - Sri Lanka

Electoral officials carry a ballot box to a counting center in Gampaha, Sri Lanka, on Nov. 14, 2024. Voting closed in the Sri Lankan parliamentary election on Thursday at 4 p.m. local time (1030 GMT) and the counting of ballots will start by 4:30 p.m., according to the Sri Lankan Election Commission. Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Parliamentary Election Day - Sri Lanka

Electoral officials prepare to transport ballot boxes to a counting center in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Nov. 14, 2024. Voting closed in the Sri Lankan parliamentary election on Thursday at 4 p.m. local time (1030 GMT) and the counting of ballots will start by 4:30 p.m., according to the Sri Lankan Election Commission. Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Parliamentary Election Day - Sri Lanka

People wait to cast their votes at a polling station in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Nov. 14, 2024. Voting in the Sri Lankan parliamentary election began on Thursday morning at 7:00 a.m. local time after the opening of polling stations across the South Asian country. Over 8,000 candidates are contesting the election, with over 17 million eligible voters participating. The Sri Lankan parliament consists of 225 seats, with 113 needed to form a majority government. Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Parliamentary Election Day - Sri Lanka

People vote at a polling station in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Nov. 14, 2024. Voting in the Sri Lankan parliamentary election began on Thursday morning at 7:00 a.m. local time after the opening of polling stations across the South Asian country. Over 8,000 candidates are contesting the election, with over 17 million eligible voters participating. The Sri Lankan parliament consists of 225 seats, with 113 needed to form a majority government. Photo by Chen Dongshu/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Parliamentary Election Day - Sri Lanka

Electoral officials carry a ballot box to a counting center in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Nov. 14, 2024. Voting closed in the Sri Lankan parliamentary election on Thursday at 4 p.m. local time (1030 GMT) and the counting of ballots will start by 4:30 p.m., according to the Sri Lankan Election Commission. Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Parliamentary Election Day - Sri Lanka

Electoral officials prepare to transport ballot boxes to a counting center in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Nov. 14, 2024. Voting closed in the Sri Lankan parliamentary election on Thursday at 4 p.m. local time (1030 GMT) and the counting of ballots will start by 4:30 p.m., according to the Sri Lankan Election Commission. Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Parliamentary Election Day - Sri Lanka

Police officers carry a ballot box in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Nov. 14, 2024. Voting closed in the Sri Lankan parliamentary election on Thursday at 4 p.m. local time (1030 GMT) and the counting of ballots will start by 4:30 p.m., according to the Sri Lankan Election Commission. Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Sri Lankan People Hit By Adverse Weather

People wade through floodwater in a street in Gampaha, Sri Lanka, on Oct. 12, 2024. Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to provide immediate relief to people affected by recent adverse weather conditions across the country, the President's Media Division (PMD) said on Saturday. Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Sri Lankan People Hit By Adverse Weather

People walk in a flooded street in Minuwangoda, Sri Lanka, on Oct. 12, 2024. Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to provide immediate relief to people affected by recent adverse weather conditions across the country, the President's Media Division (PMD) said on Saturday. Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Sri Lankan People Hit By Adverse Weather

People wade through floodwater in a street in Gampaha, Sri Lanka, on Oct. 12, 2024. Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to provide immediate relief to people affected by recent adverse weather conditions across the country, the President's Media Division (PMD) said on Saturday. Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

A woman seen from the back, standing in the water and looking at the horizon, on the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of

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The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

A woman seen from the back, looking at the horizon, holds her daughter on the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo

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The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

Three young women taking a selfie in front of the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim

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The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim population. The town's cultural vibrancy is a testament to the community's resilience. On this final d

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The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

A woman seen from the back, standing in the water and looking at the horizon, on the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of

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The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

Two Muslim women wearing red on the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim population. Th

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The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

A Muslim woman in the water cares for her child in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim populati

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The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

Muslim families gathered on the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim population. The to

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The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

Two young women taking a selfie in front of the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim po

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The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

A Muslim woman in the water cares for her child in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim populati

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The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

Two Muslim women in the water together care for a child in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim

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The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

Muslim families gathered on the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim population. The to

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The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

A group of women together in the water in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim population. The t