Sri Lanka Embassy hosts Iftar in Washington

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington DC hosted an Iftar for the Sri Lankan-American Muslims. The event was attended by several community leaders as well as US and Embassy officials.

In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Prasad Kariyawasam, Sri Lanka's envoy to the United States, wishing 'Ramadan Kareem' to those present, said that Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country since ancient times, the Muslim community has been an important component of the Sri Lanka mosaic.

Traditionally, Mosques, Temples, Kovils and Churches flourished in the vicinity of each other in Sri Lanka, with the followers of these religions respecting each others' beliefs and participating in each others' celebrations.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Abdullah Khouj, Director of the Islamic Center of Washington in his remarks spoke of the values and rationale of Ramazan.

During Ramazan, there is a need to be compassionate and to be aware and feel for the less fortunate.

Community leader Naseer Azeez spoke on behalf of the Sri Lankan-Muslim community in the Greater Washington region and thanked the Embassy staff for holding an Iftar function for the Sri Lankan-Muslim community.