All communities should support President - Presidential Advisor

"Peace is nigh at hand. The war against terrorism is carried forward by the Government of President Rajapaksa. It is the bounden duty of Muslims in asmuch as the majority Sinhalese community.

The Tamils too would throw their weight together with the President to achieve everlasting peace in our motherland," said Alhaj A.H.M. Azwer, Presidential Advisor on Parliamentary Affairs and Media Ombudsman at a religious meeting held to invoke blessings of Allah to late Alhaj M.P.M. Azhar, Chief Editor of Navamani held at Masjid Al-Salam in Maligawatte.

The meeting was presided by N.M.M. Razeen, President of the Maligawatte Janaza Society.

Azwer said that one who could read properly the history of our country in its correct perspective, he would realise that no community inhabiting this island could be named by any other community as 'strangers'. "As far as Muslims are concerned from the beginning, they have been loyal to their motherland and their patriotism could not be challenged by any one. It was in King Mayadunne's army in the Seethawaka battle Kunjai Marikkar, Pitchai Marikkar, Ibrahim Marikkar fought along with the Sinhalese against the invading Portuguese army," he said.

"Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan, a great Tamil leader, was elected by the votes of Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims together as the first elected member in the Legislative Council during the British period.

It was left to the ancestors of late President J.R. Jayewardene to carry him on Palanquin from the harbour to his residence when he arrived from London. Driven by stern national fervour men like Dr. T.B. Jayah, Sir Mohammed Macan Markar, Sir Razik Fareed and Dr. M.C.M. Kaleel fought for the freedom of our country shoulder to shoulder with the Sinhalese and Tamils."

"These facts are stubborn and historical facts are more stubborner. President Rajapaksa in fact is striving to rid this nation of terrorism and build a united Sri Lanka. He has always emphasised the fact that he considers both the children of the South as well as the North as his own children," Azwer said.

"He has assured that he would develop Jaffna and other districts in the North as much as he has done for the people of the East. He has a very clear vision and mission ahead of him. In his onward march none should endeavour to create problems for him by rekindling communal feelings," he said.

He also said that late Mr. Azhar through his writings, spanning a period of nearly 50 years, did splendidly to educate the Muslims to help the country in restoring peace at the same time fighting to win over their rights and privileges. Later he copiously wrote in support of the ideals of Mahinda Chintanaya and wished a progressive and a progressed nation to be built under his enlightened leadership.

M.M. Zuhair, P.C., Sri Lanka's Ambassador for Iran, Mr. Illanenjah B.M. Murshideen and the Chief Trustee of the Mosque also addressed the gathering. Special Du'a was recited by the Khatheeb of the Mosque.