MOHAMMED RASOOLDEEN
COLOMBO : Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa released a commemorative postal stamp to mark the Prophet Muhammed’s Birth Anniversary on Tuesday. October 19.
The Meelad Un Nabi, birth anniversary celebrations were organized at the Temple Trees by the Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs of the Ministry of Buddhasasana Religious and Cultural Affairs, which comes under the prime minister
Dullas Alahapperuma, Minister of Mass Media and Information presented the relevant commemorative stamp and the first day cover to the Prime Minister in the presene of Postmaster General Ranjith Ariyaratne. Justice Minister Ali Sabry presented a memento to the Prime Minister to commemorate the event. The premier also distributed awards to the winners of the various Meelad Un Nabi contests held islandwide.
In his speech, Minister of Justice M. U. M. Ali Sabry PC said that the Muslims in Sri Lanka have contributed a great deal for the peaceful coexistence of all communities in the island.
Speaking on the occasion Sabry further said : “ As Muslims we have had a great history in this country, we have contributed towards nation building, we have been a part of the progress of this country, Muslims fought along with the Sinhalese particularly in the intelligence sector to defeat terrorism in this country. Muslims have always been an integral part of this country. Some people have misled in their own ideology and created mayhem but Muslims will not let and cannot let them hijack our beautiful religion. We will fight hard and restore the live long friendship and brotherhood among our people’
Earlier in the day, Sabry flagged off Prophet Muhammed’s Birthday Celebrations with a tree planting ceremony in Colombo in the presence of limited distinguished gathering.
The event held under the chairmanship of the new director of the Department of Muslim Relgious and Cultural Affairs. Ibrahim Sahib Ansar at the premises of the Maradana Mosque grounds.
Sri Lanka government has declared Tuesday as a public and mercantile holiday to mark the occasion.
The management of the Dewatagaha Mosque has also arranged recital of Mowlood Un Nabi in the morning with a limited crowd according to the health regulations of the country with Sabry as a guest of honour.The minister signed the Visitors’ Book in the presence of Reyyaz Salley,Chairman of the Dewatagaha Mosque and Razik Zarook PC.
The others who were present included at the Temple Trees included ,Vidura Wickramanayake, State Minister of Heritage, Performing Arts and Rural Artist Promotion, Uva Governor A J M Muzammil, Members of Parliament Cader Mastan, Marjan Faleel, H H M Harris, Ishak Rahuman, Nazeer Ahmed, Ali Sabri Rahim, Ambassadors, Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media and Information Jagath P. Wijeweera and Muslim Religious Affairs Director Ansar. (Pix provided by ASM JAVID
