Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya and the Embassy of Sri Lanka staff celebrated the traditional Ifthar (breaking of the fast) ceremony with the Muslim community recently. Ambassador, in brief remarks, said the Muslim community had a rich heritage of noble service and contributions to Sri Lanka. He underscored its important role in the past and future of Sri Lanka, describing the Muslim community as peacemakers in a diverse country.
Ambassador said Muslim community, from the times of the kings and colonial rule, has been dedicated to a united Sri Lanka.
The Embassy of Sri Lanka, in keeping with the tradition of commemorating the important festivals of religions practiced by Sri Lankans, hosted the Ifthar for a 5th consecutive year.
Dr. Abdullah Muhhamad Khouj, Director and Chief Imam of the Islamic Centre of Washington D.C., who conducted the Maghrib prayers, spoke on the significance of Ramadan. Further he praised the Sri Lankans for their peaceful coexistence in the spirit of the country’s multicultural traditions.
The distinguished gathering was hosted to a sumptuous breakfast organized by the embassy staff. The Imam Safi Khan of Dar Us Salam Community, a large number of Sri Lankan Muslims including and representatives of the Sri Lanka associations from the Greater Washington area, participated in the ceremony.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Washington DC
USA
17 September 2009
