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Cabinet appoints committee to address Ramadan needs

A senior officials' committee has been appointed to facilitate requirements for the annual Ramadan month of fasting and abstinence which begins on Saturday October 14, states a Presidential Secretariat press release.

The Cabinet on 27th September appointed a committee to be chaired by the Secretary to the President W. J. S. Karunaratne. The high powered committee met on October 12 at the Presidential Secretariat. It was attended by senior officials from several key Ministries. The committee initiated action to ensure the smooth progress of all customs and rituals associated with the month of Ramadan and paid special attention to the needs of less affluent followers of Islam.

The Secretary to the President with the assistance of the Foreign Ministry has ensured that sufficient quantities of dates are imported from Middle Eastern states. The United Arab Emirates has agreed to donate a portion of estimated requirement of 170 Metric Tons.

The National Water Supply Board and the CEB have been instructed to ensure uninterrupted services during Mahrib nights i.e. the hours of 5 p.m. to dawn. The Committee also initiated action to ensure the early delivery of dry rations to IDPs in the Puttalam, Kurunegala and Anuradhapura Districts.

Ministry of Public Administration has Issued a Circular requesting that all Muslim officers be granted time off for their prayers and religious activities. Salary advances and festival advances have also been approved for Muslim officers.

The private sector organizations will be requested to follow these guidelines. Directions have also been issued to the Prisons Department to make available facilities for Muslim inmates to observe the fast and religious activities associated with Ramadan.

The Inspector General of Police has been instructed to ensure harmony and law and order.

Media Institution particularly the electronic media have been requested broadcast the times for prayers and other rituals.

Western Province Governor Alavi Mowlana, President's Counsel M. M. Zuhair, Secretaries of the Ministries of Public Administration, Trade and Consumer Affairs, Labour, Officers from Colombo Municipal Council, Water and Electricity Boards, the CWE and RDA, Excise and Textile Departments were also present at today's meeting.

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