



Malé : Ranga Goonawardena, the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Maldives, delivered a special address at the Meelad-un-Nabi Celebration Seerah Programme, honoring the birth of the Prophet (PBUH) through unity and kindness. The event, organized by the Islamic Committee of the Sri Lanka Friendship Forum (SLFF) under the auspices of the High Commission of Sri Lanka, aimed to foster unity and engagement among the Sri Lankan Muslim community in the Maldives.
The event took place at the Islamic Center Hall, Maldives. The evening program began with a Quran recitation and included several important segments, including a panel discussion led by Moulavi Dr. Ameer Ajwath.
In his keynote address, High Commissioner Goonawardena acknowledged the unity, compassion, and togetherness of the Sri Lankan Muslim community in the Maldives. He praised the Muslim Affairs Subcommittee of the SLFF for organizing the event and encouraged active participation in the series of meaningful events planned to celebrate important Islamic occasions.
A key focus of his speech was the announcement of the establishment of a Janaza Committee to assist with burial arrangements for Sri Lankans who pass away in the Maldives. The High Commissioner addressed the community’s concerns regarding the current regulation imposed by Sri Lankan authorities, which requires the embalming of a deceased body before it can be sent to Colombo for burial. He expressed his deep understanding of the distress caused by this regulation and reiterated his commitment to fighting for its removal.
“From the very first day I assumed office, I have been actively requesting the relevant authorities in Sri Lanka to reconsider and remove this condition,” stated His Excellency. “I will continue to work towards amending this regulation so that the process of sending a loved one to Sri Lanka for burial can be done without the need for embalming, which I know would bring much-needed relief to the community.”
The High Commissioner reaffirmed his support for the efforts of the Islamic Committee and called on all members of the community to collaborate closely with the committee to strengthen their unity, especially in challenging times. He also extended an invitation to those who have not yet become members of the Sri Lanka Friendship Forum of Maldives to join and actively participate in its programs, helping to make the Forum more vibrant and inclusive.
The event also featured a Panel Discussion with Moulavi Dr. Ameer Ajwath and a Q&A Session moderated by As-Sheik Al-Hafil Ali Ahmed (Rashadi) from the Ar-Rabbaniya Foundation for Islamic Studies in Canada. The program concluded with a Dua led by As-Sheik Al-Hafil Ali Ahmed (Rashadi).
The Seerah Programme successfully brought together members of the Sri Lankan Muslim community in the Maldives, reinforcing the spirit of solidarity and collaboration fostered by the High Commission and the Sri Lanka Friendship Forum.