The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations hosted an IFTAR reception for the Sri Lankan Muslim Community in New York, this Wednesday. This was the second year in succession that the Mission has celebrated IFTAR, a tradition which was started in 2011. This event commenced with the “breaking of the fast”, with dates from the Middle East followed by Maghrib prayers and a traditional banquet with a Sri Lankan flavor.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Palitha Kohona, the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations highlighted the importance of the event and the Ramadan spirit which highlights love for family, devotion to community, and gratitude. It underlined the sacrifices of normal pleasures for the community. Giving rather than taking was the main sentiment.
The Muslim community has been a vibrant and integral part of Sri Lanka’s mosaic of people ever since the first Arab traders sailed with the monsoons looking for spices and gems. Today, there is a pressing need for all our communities to participate in Sri Lanka’s reawakening since the end of the conflict. The country needs us all.
Mr. Dilashad Ahmed, (Vice president of global finance for Lipo Chemicals Inc.) on behalf of the Sri Lankan Muslim Community in the TriState area thanked Dr. Kohona and the Mission for this initiative which will bring all our people together.
Dr. Palitha Kohona was assisted by Ambassador General Shavendra Silva and the Mission staff in arranging this event.
