Ports Authority Iftar funds for Muttur's displaced

COLOMBO: Ports, Aviation and Foreign Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweera has instructed the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Chairman to make arrangements to donate SLPA funds spent for the Iftar programme for people displaced in Muttur.

This is following a request by the Organization of All Ceylon Muslim Theologians (Jamiyyathul Ulama) to the Minister.

The SLPA commenced the Iftar programme at the port when M. H. M. Ashraff was the Minister of Ports Affairs which has continued since then.

Samaraweera on behalf of the Government in a message thanked the Jamiyyathul Ulama for their dedicated service and looking after the displaced in Muttur during the recent conflict.

He said the Jamiyyathul Ulama has guided and led everyone on the correct path.

Samaraweera appealed to other organisations and institutions to help this needy cause.

A cheque for Rs. 1 million was handed over by SLPA Chairman Saliya Wickramasuriya to Secretary General of the Organization of All Ceylon Muslim Theologians, Moulavi Nasar yesterday at the SLPA for the welfare activities of the displaced in Muttur. Nasar on behalf of the Jamiyyathul Ulama thanked the Minister for taking immediate steps to facilitate this.

He hoped the other organisations and institutions would also make this an example to organise towards such donations during the Ramazan month.

Wickramasuriya said he appreciated the opportunity to donate funds for this needy cause.

Executive Director Dr. Irshad Musheen thanked all members of the SLPA Muslim Majilis for the contributions arranged.

SLPA Vice Chairman R.M.P.B. Wickrama, Managing Director W.G. Samarathunge, Executive Director Dr. Irshad Musheen and several officials of the SLPA were also present.