President’s Id-Ul-Fitr message

President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his Id-Ul-Fitr festival message called for lasting partnership of the Muslims of Sri Lanka to forge a new Sri Lankan nation of unity, tolerance and harmony.

The President’s message is as follows:

“The Muslim community of Sri Lanka joins its brothers in faith the world over on this occasion to mark the completion of the period of fasting and religious practice which is the most significant tradition of the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. It is the time of rejoicing at the conclusion of the strict religious observances in keeping with the teaching of the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet Muhammad.During their long history of presence in Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has lived in harmony with the Sinhalese, Tamils, Buddhists, Hindus, Christians and all other communities to whom this country is motherland and has contributed much to its progress. When the festival of Id-Ul-Fitr was celebrated last year we had already cleared the Eastern Province, with its large population of Muslims, from the grip of terrorism.

Today, there is cause for greater satisfaction when the entire country has been freed from terror, and the Muslims expelled from their homes in the Northern parts of the country are able to return to live and carry out their traditions and religious activities in freedom.

On this very special occasion we look forward to the lasting partnership of the Muslims of Sri Lanka to forge a new Sri Lankan nation of unity, tolerance and harmony and making its own contribution to the further progress of peace in the country. I wish all followers of Islam of Sri Lanka a happy Eid-Ul-Fitr, Eid-Mubarak!