The Sri Lanka Embassy in Brussels, Belgium, hosted an Iftar dinner with the participation of Sri Lankan Muslim community members as well as Sri Lankans of other faiths in Belgium on April 2, 2023, in reverence of the holy month of Ramadan.
Ambassador Grace Asirwatham said in her address to the gathering that while the Iftar is a time for fasting, physical and spiritual reflection of self, and prayer, the holy month of Ramadan brings friends, family, and communities together to strengthen bonds of friendship and unity. The Ambassador added that in joining together at Iftar with the Muslim brethren, the members of different faiths and communities conveyed their utmost respect by being appreciative of each other’s cultures and traditions to create unity in diversity. Ambassador Asirwatham emphasized that peace and harmony amongst the different communities in Sri Lanka will be crucial for sustainable social and economic prosperity in the country.
During the event, after breaking their fast, the Muslims engaged in Iftar prayers and then took part in the intercommunity Iftar dinner.
On behalf of the Sri Lankan Muslim community in Belgium, Abdul Matheem Mohammed thanked the Embassy of Sri Lanka for organizing an Iftar gathering at the residence of the Ambassador and said that it manifested the friendship and commonality amongst the Sri Lankan community in Belgium, promoting and strengthening community relations while respecting different religious faiths, beliefs, and allegiances.
Around 55 Sri Lankan community members attended the Iftar dinner.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Brussels
04 April 2023
