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".
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