COLOMBO ; Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Ramadan Festivals known as Eid ul-Fitr is the most important religious festival celebrated by Muslims. It
marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Ramadan fasting (savum ) is the ninth month of the
Islamic calendar and is considered one of the five pillars of Islam. It was during this Ramadan that the
Holy Quran, the message of Allah, was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, as a guidance for
mankind.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink between sunrise to sunset for a
period of nearly 30 days. During this period, Muslims demonstrate their religious devotion andcommitment through fasting, praying and charitable and auspicious deeds. This promotes important
human qualities such as self-control, discipline, devotion and closeness to God, mental purity, generosity,
compassion, physical health and mutual support. Accordingly, seeing the new moon after the end of this
fasting month of Ramadan is observed as the day of Eid. (Ramadan New Year) Muslims gather that
morning for special praying and praise to God.
The Ramadan festival also provides a great opportunity to build harmony and understanding among the
various religious and cultural communities in our country. This is not only a religious celebration but also
a time of personal and social reconciliation. I am confident that the harmony, cooperation and trust arisen
from it will be a fundamental force in realizing the vision of our new Government policy statement; “A
Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life”
This is the first Eid ul-Fitr festival celebrated by the Muslim brothers and sisters of Sri Lanka under the
leadership of the Jathika Jana Balawegaya (NPP) Government, which is committed to promoting
religious coexistence and harmony and building peace and reconciliation among all communities. I extend
my sincere heartfelt greetings to all Muslim devotees across the world who are celebrating the auspicious
occasion of this Ramadan.
I wish that the Eid ul-Fitr celebrations will bring peace, happiness and prosperity to all.
March 31, 2025
