'President Rajapaksa was always with the Muslim people'

Athapattu BANDARA

The Muslim community in Sri Lanka celebrates with much gratitude the 66th birthday of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and also the first anniversary of the second term in office as he is one of the great leaders who always stood for the Muslim community in the world, Technology and Research Deputy Minister Faizer Mustafa said.

He was addressing the participants including Muslim devotees at the conclusion of special prayers conducted at the Niyas Moulavi Mosque to invoke blessings on President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The minister said President Mahinda Rajapaksa stood by the Muslim community even before he became the President of this country.

When he was a young politician, he spoke on Palestine and raised a big voice for the Muslim community in the world.

"We cannot tread towards a peaceful country unless we give up racism. Muslims should work hand in hand with other communities towards the prosperity of the country. We should think as Sri Lankans not with our ethnicity," the Deputy Minister asserted.

"Distribution of welfare facilities enabling the Muslim community to mingle with the majority Sinhalese and Tamils would mark the beginning of ethnic harmony after vanquishing terrorism in the country, he said.

President Mahinda Rajapakse has made history as the leader who directed Sri Lanka towards a prosperous path by winning difficult challenges, he pointed out.

J.P.Ishalam said President Mahinda Rajapaksa would ensure goodwill among groups. God has selected him to the post of president to work with people of all walks of life, he said.

Nobody will be able to challenge God's will," he said.