In commemoration of the holy month of Ramadan, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington DC hosted an Iftar for the Sri Lankan-American Muslims. The event was attended by several community leaders as well as US and Embassy officials.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Prasad Kariyawasam, Sri Lanka’s envoy to United States, wishing ‘Ramadan Kareem’ to those present, stated that Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country and since ancient times Muslim community has been an important component of Sri Lanka population mosaic. Traditionally, Muslim Mosques, Buddhist Temples, Hindu Kovils and Christian Churches flourish in the vicinity of each other in Sri Lanka, respecting each others’ beliefs and participating in each others’ celebrations.

The key note speaker of the occasion Dr. Abdullah Khouj, Director of the Islamic Center of Washington DC in his remarks enunciated the value and rationale of Ramadan. During the holy month of Ramadan, there is a need to be compassionate and to be aware and feel for the less fortunate. On this occasion, community leader Naseer Azeez poke on behalf of the Sri Lankan-Muslim community in the Greater Washington region, thanking the Embassy staff for holding an Iftar function for the Sri Lankan-Muslim community.