Islamic clerics announced the withdrawal of a “halal” labeling system for food in Sri Lanka on Monday "in the interests of peace" after protests from Buddhist hardliners on the Indian Ocean island.

Islamic clerics announced the withdrawal of a “halal” labeling system for food in Sri Lanka on Monday "in the interests of peace" after protests from Buddhist hardliners on the Indian Ocean island.

The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU), a body of Islamic clergy in Sri Lanka, said the “halal” certificate issued by them would be used only for products that are exported to Islamic countries.

"We are giving up what is important to us. We are making a sacrifice in the interest of peace and harmony," ACJU President Mufti Rizwe said, adding that they were keen to avoid any escalation of religious tensions.

Food manufacturers in Sri Lanka have long made all their products using “halal” methods and labeled them with the ACJU “halal” certificate.

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce said that manufacturers agreed to drop the “halal” logo from all food with immediate effect after Nationalist Buddhist monks and their supporters had launched a campaign last month to boycott “halal” slaughtered meat, as well as other products that carry a halal certificate.

Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapakse, who is a Buddhist, had urged monks not to incite religious hatred.