|
|
 |
| Sunday, 9 June 2002 |
 |
|
 |
News |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
"Communities trying to normalise relations" - Bakeer Markar "Our country is going through a phase of transformation, whereby, the different communities are trying to normalize relations under the leadership of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, by embarking, on peace process. I have no doubt, that the visit of this high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia, led by His Excellency Al-Sheikh Dr. Salih Bin Abdullah Bin Humaid, President of the Shura Council (Parliament), will bring much happiness and strengthen the ties, and enhance the bonds of brotherhood among Muslims the world over. Your concern for the minority community is much appreciated by the Muslims of Beruwala and the people of Sri Lanka". This was said by Mass Communication Minister Imthiaz Bakeer Markar, at the special ceremony held recently at Musujudeen Ul Abran Mosque, Beruwala, with the participation of 33 Saudi delegates including 12 Members of Parliament, led by Al-Sheikh Dr. Salih Bin Abdullah Bin Humaid, President of the Shura Council (Parliament), Saudi Arabia, who are currently visiting Sri Lanka. Minister Markar addressing the delegation further said: "One of the earliest Arab settlements in Sri Lanka is said to have been in Barbareen, generally referred to in Arabic as barbari or barbali. The present name Beruwela must have originated from the term barbareen. "The Muslim settlement in Beruwela dates back to the 8th century AD. This Mosque, Masjidul Abrar, which your Excellencies have visited today, dates back to 920 AD or Hijri 300, which is over a thousand years old. The family of Ash-Sheik Abdul Qadir-Ibrahim Samsudeen Mohamed Al Mecca, Al-Fassy of Saudi Arabia, has kept closer links, with this mosque, throughout the generations. "Today the Muslims all over the world are going through a hard time. We pray to Almighty Allah, at this historic moment, to give us the strength and guide us in the correct path, to overcome, all the challenges facing us". Al-Sheikh Dr. Salih Bin Abdullah Bin Humaid, President of the Shura Council (Parliament), Saudi Arabia, in his speech stated that the wish of Arab countries as well as the entire international community is to achieve pace in Sri Lanka very soon. Parliamentary Affairs Minister A. H. M. Azwer and Mazahim Mohamed, Mayor of Beruwala were also present. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
