Signifying the importance of keeping the harmony among different religions, the Consulate General of Sri Lanka hosted an Iftar function in Association with the Sri Lankan Muslim Community in Dubai and Northern Emirates on Thursday 24th May 2018. This is the third time that an event of such nature has been organized by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and Northern Emirates.
The event was held in the area usually the ‘Daham Pasala’ is being held on Fridays in the Consulate General, under the decorations made of Buddhist flags. Prior to ending of the fast by the Muslim Community, a multi-religious function was held with the participation of religious leaders representing four major religions of Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity in Sri Lanka invoking blessings on continuous peace and prosperity to the motherland. Further, highlighting the similarities of the crux of all religions, the religious leaders emphasized the current need of the society to abide by or follow the principles of their own religions, which would indeed be a catalyst in the context of inclusive development of the nation.
More than 150 people representing both formal and informal Associations based in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, comprising of all the religions and ethnic groups of Sri Lanka, participated at the event. Following the Iftar, the attendees were served with special Sri Lankan food and Ceylon tea.
Delivering the welcome speech at the event, the Consul General Mr. Charitha Yattogoda highlighted the tremendous 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.
Mr. Sisira Senevirathna, the acting Ambassador of the UAE who attended the event representing the Embassy of Sri Lanka to UAE, spoke on the significance of the Holy month of Ramadan in the sphere of enriching the principles 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. Additionally, all the staff members of the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai, the diplomatic staff and the Muslim members of the staff of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi took part in the event.
After breaking the 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 named “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 reconciliation and co-existence in Sri Lanka, through similar programs.
