RUZAIK FAROOK
COLOMBO, : The Colombo Municipal Council hosted a special Milad un Nabi celebration at the Town Hall premises on Tuesday September 1, bringing together municipal officials, councillors, staff members, religious figures, students and distinguished guests.
A significant feature of this year’s celebration was the 12-day Subhana Mowlid recitation, marking the first time in the history of the Colombo Municipal Council that such a programme has been conducted as part of its Milad un Nabi observances.
The programme also included meelad competitions for school students, providing young participants with an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and talents. Students who secured places in the competitions were presented with prizes during the ceremony.
The event was held under the patronage of Mayor of Colombo Vraie Cally Balthazar and Deputy Mayor Hemantha Weerakoon.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Dr. Rizvie Salley joined the celebration as the Chief Guest, while several municipal councillors, municipal staff members, and other distinguished guests also participated.
The celebration featured devotional performances by several Qaseedha groups, including the Madhihur Rasool Ensemble, Darbar E Naat and Marhaba Qaseedha Group, who presented performances in praise and remembrance of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The Colombo Municipal Council’s Milad un Nabi celebrations have their roots in 2020, when then Municipal Councillor I. A. Kaleelur Rahman proposed that the Council officially conduct a Milad un Nabi celebration at the Municipal Council premises.
The initiative was introduced during the tenure of then Mayor of Colombo Rosy Senanayake and has continued under subsequent administrations.
The continuation of the programme under the present Municipal Council administration reflects the growing recognition of the annual Milad un Nabi celebration as part of the Council’s cultural and religious engagement with the diverse communities of Colombo.
