Study Finds no Islamic Jihadist Movement in Sri Lanka

Study was commissioned after accusations that a “jihadist” movement was in making in Eastern province of Sri Lanka

A Islamic State fighter in Iraq. (Photo: Reuters)

Sri Lanka seems to be an exception to Islamic extremism when it comes to South Asian countries.

According to The Hindu report, a study commissioned by Colombo-based International Centre for Ethnic Studies (ICES) found that there are no Islamic jihadist groups in Sri Lanka.

The study was commissioned after accusations were made that a “jihadist” movement was in the making in the Eastern province of Sri Lanka. The accusations were raised from within the Muslim community as well as others.

Muslims constitute 37 per cent of the population of Eastern province while the community constitutes 9.67 per cent of the national population, according to 2012 census.

According to study, the discussions with representative of Thablighi Jamaat, Thawheed & Sufi groups revealed that while there discontent among Muslim youth, acts of violence are unlikely in the near future. 

While there are talks among discontented youth about espousing ‘jihadi’ practices, these are just idle youth responding to the global trend in Islam, but with no motivation or the means to make this a reality. Local organisations such as mosque federations are also keeping tabs on the community and nipping such ideas in the bud.

Study by International Centre for Ethnic Studies (ICES)