“Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, we observe Ramadan in a very different context this year. We are aware that the Government of our country has taken various measures to curb the spread of this disease and has implemented curfews in order to prevent public gatherings completely. The ACJU kindly urges all Muslims to adhere to the guidelines regarding the conducting of prayers and when engaging in good deeds during the month of Ramadan,” ACJU General Secretary Ash Shaikh M.M.A. Mubarak said. Adhering to social/physical distancing guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health, the ACJU has requested the community to engage in the five obligatory Taraweeh and other prayers in congregation within the household members only, noting that they strictly avoid joining or inviting neighbours for prayers. Trustees of masjids have been instructed to avoid conducting the five obligatory prayers, Jumu’ah (Friday) prayers, and gathering any other congregational activities at masjids until further notice and to strictly abide by the related guidelines issued by the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs and the Wakfs Board. In the holy month of Ramadan Muslims also practise acts of charity and given the circumstance, the ACJU has instructed that charitable deeds should be made to all, regardless of religious and racial differences, and those who wish to engage in relief activities and assist the poor should contact the nearest police station and obtain the necessary permits to do so. While engaging in night prayers at home, especially during the time of Suhoor (morning meal consumed to commence the fast), it should be ensured that no disturbances are caused to others in the neighbourhood, and that volumes of radios and televisions should be sufficient enough for the household only. Supreme Council of Sufi Thareeqas General Secretary Moulavi M.M.A. Jamali in a media statement noted: “We do understand that it is a hard situation to be away from masjids, especially during Ramadan, where even the non-regular devotees find the urge to be part of the congregational prayers. Therefore, we request our devotees to strictly abide by the directives issued by the Wakfs Board and not gather at masjids for prayers, for the preparation or distribution of kanji, or for Iftar (breaking of the fast) until the Covid-19 threat is totally eradicated from our motherland.” Moulavi Jamali also instructed that the only practical solution to prevent Covid-19 from spreading is to practise physical distancing and instead of distributing kanji, one could distribute dry rations that may be used to prepare kanji. In the event one decides to prepare and distribute kanji at any place other than the masjids, they should obtain permission from the relevant authorities including the public health inspectors, health officials, and the area Police. Safety guidelines should be followed during the preparation and distribution of kanji as well. The Supreme Council of Sufi Thareeqas also requested all private thakkiyas and zawiyas too to abide by the directives and set an example. Directives given by the Wakfs Board of Sri Lanka The directions given by the Wakfs Board of Sri Lanka on 15 March will continue for the whole of Ramadan and/or until further notice. Accordingly, trustees of all masjids are very strictly directed:

1. NOT to open up the masjids to the public but only to the Imam/Muezzin.
2. NOT to have any congregational prayer including the five obligatory prayers, Jumu’ah prayers, Taraweeh prayers, etc.
3. NOT to have any other congregational activity such as Iftar programmes, etc.
4. NOT to prepare or distribute porridge (kanji) in masjids or its premises.
5. To duly notify the Jamaat of these guidelines and educate and encourage them to adhere to the instructions and directions given by health and defence authorities in relation to Covid-19.