The Education Ministry has appointed a commitee to investigate content in school textbooks which could could affect peaceful existence among communities.

The commitee had been appointed following a claim to this effect by a witness before the Parliamentary Select Committee probing the Easter Sunday attacks.

Rishvin Ismath, while providing evidence before the PSC had claimed that government text books since the 1980's were contributing factors to the birth of extremist leaders such as mastermind behind the Easter Sunday attacks  Mohamed Zahran.

He had pointed out that Islam textbooks published for Grades 9 and 10 since 1981 have listed out the punishments which must be imposed for committing six major offences.

The witness had also claimed that these text books had emphasised that punishments were necessary to prevent wrongful deeds.

Accordingly, the Education Ministry said if its Committee determines that content which incites extremism is included in text books, such material will not be published in future.