Ramazan messages

Lasting partnership to forge new Lanka

President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his Eid-ul-Fitr festival message called for lasting partnership of the Muslims of Sri Lanka to forge a new Sri Lankan nation of unity, tolerance and harmony.

The President’s message:

“The Muslim community of Sri Lanka joins its brothers in faith the world over on this occasion to mark the completion of the period of fasting and religious practice which is the most significant tradition of the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.

It is the time of rejoicing at the conclusion of the strict religious observances in keeping with the teaching of the Holy Quaran and the Holy Prophet Muhammad. During their long history of presence in Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has lived in harmony with the Sinhalese, Tamils, Buddhists, Hindus, Christians and all other communities to whom this country is motherland and has contributed much to its progress.

When the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated last year we had already cleared the Eastern Province, with its large population of Muslims, from the grip of terrorism.

Today, there is cause for greater satisfaction when the entire country has been freed from terror, and the Muslims expelled from their homes in the Northern parts of the country are able to return to live and carry out their traditions and religious activities in freedom.

On this very special occasion we look foraward to the lasting partnership of the Muslims of Sri Lanka to forge a new Sri Lankan nation of unity, tolerance and harmony and making its own contribution to the further progress of peace in the country. I wish all followers of Islam of Sri Lanka a happy Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-Mubarak!

Islam emphasises importance of unity

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka in a message for Eid-Ul-Fitr said that Islam emphasises the importance of unity in the absence of enmity and hatred.

Islam gives the meaning of peace. This religions lays emphasis an unity for common good by shedding enmity and hatred. Muslims observe this month by fasting and engaging in religious activities while showing tolerance and kindness to all beings, the Prime Minister said.

He added this year is very significant in that all the Muslims and especially those from the North and East are equally celebrating this festival because of the peaceful situation after 30 years.

I wish you all a happy occasion by joining hands with everybody in a spirit of brotherhood, harmony and good understanding among all citizens without forgetting anyone in the midst in keeping with the ideals of this Eid-Ul-Fitr Day.

Make resolution to rebuild nation

Cultural Affairs Minister Piyasiri Wijenaike in a message to mark Eid-Ul-Fitr said the Ramazan festival marks with the end of one month old fasting by Muslims all over the world.

This fasting drives home the feeling of hunger among the humanity. This leads to imbibe ideals such as generosity, brotherhood, co-existence and devotion etc. among the Muslim devotees, he said. “This day is important in that Muslims in the country can make a resolution to rebuilt the nation which was liberated recently from the three decade old separatist war,” the Minister said.

“Let us join hands together towards rebuilding our nation with the newly found ideals of generosity, brotherhood and co-existence from this day of great importance.”

Let’s join hands to achieve country’s objectives

Religious Affairs Minister Pandu Bandaranayake in Eid-ul-Fitr message said:

During the month long fasting period, Muslims uphold certain virtues such as being truthful, honest, free from sins and helping others and also attaining spiritual fulfilment.

As Prophet Mohammed has said it is more important to realise the objectives behind this fasting than being without food and drinks. It is only through the realisation and application of the ideals in ones own life that every Muslim can attain the true satisfaction of this religious practise and receive the blessing of Allah.

This is very common to all ethnicities as well, the Minister said.

“On this special occasion, let us join hands and march forward as Sri Lankans to lealise the objectives of the country. I fervently hope that this fasting just ended will also fulfil the aspirations of the Muslim,” he said.