President's message to mark Meelad-Un-Nabi

President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a message to mark the Meelad-Un-Nabi, celebration said:

"Together with millions of their fellow religionists throughout the world, the followers of Islam in Sri Lanka celebrate Meelad-Un Nabi, the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet Mohammed, today.

On this important day one is reminded of the basic teachings of the Holy Prophet which laid emphasis on peace and harmony. We are aware that the Prophet Mohammed's mission was to guide humanity on the right path of mutual understanding, brotherhood, helping one another, and being tolerant of each other.

This significant day in the Islamic calendar is celebrated in Sri Lanka as a national event, My Government has arranged for this year's Meelad-Un-Nabi celebrations to be held in Kinniya and Mutur in the Trincomalee district with due consideration to the large Muslim population there, and in keeping with our policy of ensuring freedom of worship to all in Sri Lanka.

The Muslims of Sri Lanka, particularly those in the East of our country, will be able to celebrate this important festival on this occasion with considerable relief as the Government has taken steps to free many areas they live in from the yoke of terror and oppression.

We look forward to the spirit of brotherhood and tolerance taught by the Holy Prophet Mohammed helping in restoring peace and harmony in the entirety of our land. I extend my warm greetings to all our Muslim brethren of this important birth anniversary of the last Prophet of the Islamic faith".