Peace, patience needed most: President

Patience and peace are needed most today, said President Mahinda Rajapakse in his Haj Message. The full text of the message: "I am pleased to send my greetings on the Haj Festival Day, which is the most precious day for Muslims all over the world.

Every Government's utmost duty and responsibility is to ascertain that all citizens are at liberty to perform their religious rights and preserve the cultural identity. My Government is fully dedicated to achieve that noble objective. It is undisputed that the world's largest peace council is the gathering of Muslims devotees for Haj.

The objective of Haj is generosity, universal brotherhood, equality among all and patience. In fact what we most need today is patience and peace.

Up to date, during the course of this year, 7,000 Muslims have gone on pilgrimage from Sri Lanka to the Holy City of Mecca. I am glad to state that my Government was able to assist those pilgrims in every possible manner where their needs are concerned.

I request all Muslim brothers to pray for peace and solidarity among all Sri Lankans. Eid Mubarak."