Wins world title at Quran recital

Sri Lanka feels very proud of the fact that a boy of 14 years was able to win the World Title at the International Quran Recital Competition held in the Holy City of Mecca. So said Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs Deputy Minister M.K.D.S. Gunawardena participating at a felicitation ceremony at the Grand Mosque, New Moor Street, Colombo held to receive the Champion Quari Mohamed Rizkan Rifdi. He was accorded a heroe's welcome at the VIP Lounge, Katunayake Airport in the presence of Minister Gunawardena and other VIPs and representatives of various Muslim organizations on arrival. Mohamed Rifdi was conducted in a motorcade from the junction of Ummu Zavaya to the Grand Mosque.

S. Alawi Moulana, Western Province Governor speaking on the occasion said that he considered it a blessing to Sri Lanka since the Holy Quran is a Divine Message and receiving the First Prize from the Holy City of Mecca for its recital brings glad tidings to the whole nation.

A. H. M. Azwer MP and Member Parliament Council said, "Ibunu Batuta the great historian put the map of Ceylon on the globe while a youngster. Mohamed Rifid, after centuries has been able to bring glory to the Motherland, drawing attention of the entire Islamic world. It is remarkable that a son of an ordinary three wheel driver was able to bring this international honour to Sri Lanka". Al haj Moulavi Hassan Moulana President Co-ordinator on Islamic Affairs, Moulavi A. W. M. Riyal (Bari) and several others also addressed the gathering.