Exploring Interreligious Dialogue Encounters of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama in the Sri Lankan Context
Abstract
This study investigates the intricate dynamics of interreligious dialogue encounters within the Muslim minority context of Sri Lanka, focusing on the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU), a body of Muslim theologians. Amid historical tensions and conflicts among diverse religious groups in the region, the ACJU plays a pivotal role in fostering understanding and collaboration among religious communities. This study aims to examine the Muslim minority's efforts to preserve their religious identity and promote harmonious relationships with other religious communities through an in-depth investigation of their experiences, drawing on a range of primary and secondary sources. Using qualitative methodology, the research investigates the dynamics of interreligious discourse initiated by the ACJU through interviews and textual analysis. The study applies descriptive, analytical, and critical methods throughout. By exploring the perspectives of religious leaders, community members, and scholars engaged in these dialogues, the research offers insights into the challenges, achievements, and growth of interreligious exchanges in this socio-religious context. It also examines how the ACJU carefully balances between retaining Islamic identity and actively participating in interreligious endeavours. The findings highlight the importance of these programmes in reducing religious tensions, encouraging cooperation, and contributing to the peaceful coexistence of Sri Lanka's multireligious fabric.
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Interviewwees List
A.C. Agar Mohamed, Former Deputy President of ACJU and Current Rector of Naleemiah Institute of Islamic Studies (NIIS), 12 September 2023.
Arkam Nooramith, Secretary General of ACJU, 24 July 2023.
P.L. Salman, Coordinator of CCC and Public Relations Officer of ACJU, 24 July 2023.
M.A.M. Sadiq, Businessman and one of the participants of ACJU’s Interreligious initiatives, 12 August 2023.
Online Sources
Department of Census and Statistics – Sri Lanka, Census of population and Housing 2012 and 2024, Colombo, DCS, 2025. Retrieved November 25, 2025. https://www.statistics.gov.lk/Resource/en/Population/CPH_2024/CPH2024_Preliminary_Report.pdf
All Ceylon Jamm’iyyathul Ulama: https://www.acju.lk/
All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama, “ACJU Activity Reports”, https://www.acju.lk/en/published/item/2384-acju-activity-report-2020-2021
Daily Mirror Newspaper, https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking-news/peaceful-coexistence-more-important-than-halal-acju/108-25915
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