COLOMBO : The Chairman and members of the board, Dewatagaha Mosque hosted the Minister for Buddha Sasana,Religious and Cultural Affairs, Vidura Wickramanayake at an Iftar at the mosque premises on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan.
The other attendeee included Haniffa Ishak, Dr Hamdani Anver – Director of Ministry of Health and Farik Furkan – Chairman Rosewood, amongst the invitees.
The Chairman Mr Reyyaz Salley was extremely happy to host this function, which heralded the start of the Ramadan fasting month, and was glad the minister found time besides his busy schedule, to attend this function.
Matters of mutual interests were discussed pertaining to Islamic religious affairs, and the Minister was glad to be part of this ceremony.
Reyyaz Salley recounted that the Shaikh Usman Waliyullah Shrine and Masjid, remained a sacred place that brought solace to Sri Lankans, irrespective of creed or colour, and was visited by over 2,500 people daily. In this instance, he recounted the recognition given to this revered place, by the Minister visiting this sacred place, on the first day of Ramazan.
The masjid also plays hosts to around 300 ladies and gents to break their fast daily at Iftar, and this increases to around 500 guests on working days, as the masjid is surrounded by corporate offices of the business community. Annually the Masjid plays host for Iftar, but this year special arrangements have been made to run a kitchen at the Masjid premises, to meet the growing needs of the visitors and congregation.
The visit of the Minister concluded with a Special prayer ceremony at the Shrine of Shaik Usman Waliyullah Dargha, where blessings were sought from the Saint, for a peaceful and prosperous Srilanka. Mr Reyyaz Salley also thanked the Minister for his visit, and for his dedicated contribution towards uplifting the Budha Sasana and all other religious communities.
