Ramazan messages

Islam propagates peace, friendship - President

The right of our Muslim brothers to continue to live with dignity and in peace with all communities must be protected, President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga said in a Ramazan message issued yesterday.

The President said: "I extend my good wishes to all followers of Islam in Sri Lanka and across the globe on this Eid-ul-Fitr Ramazan day.

The Holy Ramadan is an important period in the Islamic calendar. It is during this period that Muslims all over the world focus on their faith and practice God's teachings and follow his commandments.

They renew their commitment to lead their lives with honesty and integrity and practice compassion.

As they are united in their faith, Sri Lanka's Muslims are also united in their commitment to building a society rich in diversity and grounded in mutual respect.

Islam propagates peace, friendship and mutual understanding and coexistence with other communities. The Muslim community has lived amicably for centuries with the Sinhala and Tamil people of our nation. I wish all Muslims a blessed celebration of the Eid-ul-Fitr and peace, health, and prosperity in the years ahead.

Eid-Mubarak and Happy Ramazan !"

Wish for universal peace, unity, happiness - PM

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse in a message to commemorate the Ramazan Festival, wished for peace and happiness for the entire fraternity of the country.

The Prime Minister's, message:

"It is with heartfelt delight that I bring my Ramazan wishes on this occasion of the Muslims world over celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr by ending the Month-long fast in obedience to the command of Allah, the All Mighty." An honourable peace is the expectation of the day for all of us in Sri Lanka.

I trust that the wish for universal peace, unity and happiness will engulf the heart of every Muslim throughout the world where people live in anguish due to horror caused by global terrorism.

From ancient times, the Muslims have been contributing in large measure in the process of development and social and economic uplift of this country. With earnestness I assure them our continued cooperation to them to foster their faith and culture as much as we have done in the past.

On this occasion I urge all people to unite to end the two decades old war to create a society in which people of all ethnic groups can co-exist in harmony."