Signifying the importance of harmony among different religions, the Consulate General of Sri Lanka hosted an Iftar programme in association with the Sri Lankan Muslim Community in Dubai and Northern Emirates, on Thursday 24 May 2018. This is the third time that an event of this nature has been organized by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and Northern Emirates.
Prior to the breaking of fast by the Muslim Community, a multi-religious function was held with the participation of religious leaders representing Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity, invoking blessings on continuous peace and prosperity of the motherland. Further, highlighting the similarities of the substance of all religions, the religious leaders emphasized on the need to abide by the principles of one's own religion, which would indeed be a catalyst in the context of inclusive development of the nation.
More than 150 persons from Dubai and the Northern Emirates, representing all religions and ethnic groups of Sri Lanka, participated in the event. The attendees were served with special Sri Lankan food and Ceylon tea.
Delivering the welcome speech at the event, Consul General Charitha Yattogoda highlighted the substantial contribution made by the Muslim Community for the development of the nation. The Consul General also thanked the Muslim community in Dubai and the Northern Emirates for their unstinted support over the years in all endeavours of the Consulate General and also for the valuable role that they have been playing in promoting Sri Lankan identity in the UAE.
Chargé d' Affaires of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi Sisira Senavirathna spoke on the significance of the Holy month of Ramadan which enshrines the principle of giving, in addition to creating harmony and peace among all. He also focused on the ways in which the religious events of this nature could enhance the harmony among all communities and thereby contribute to the sustainable development of the country.
After breaking fast, there was a brief time for all the Sri Lankans gathered at the event for networking. It was followed by a sumptuous vegetarian dinner simultaneously held with a brief inspirational video presentation titled “Ape Game Ramadan” made by the Muslim Community in Dubai and the Northern Emirates and a Q & A session conducted by Moulavi Sheikh Muneer Mulaffer who is a prominent personality in enhancing inter-religious and inter-cultural co-existence in Sri Lanka.
