Non-Muslim Lankan expats lead ifthar program in Saudi

By Mohammed Rasooldeen 

in Riyadh 

Non-Muslim Sri Lankans in the western part of Saudi Arabia took the lead in organising a ifthar (breakfast) program at the Sri Lanka Consulate in Jeddah.

More than 800 Sri Lankans including men, women and children gathered at the premises of the Jeddah Sri Lankan mission to meet and greet one another at a special ifthar program organised under the auspices of the Sri Lankan Consulate in Jeddah, headed by its Consul General A.W.A. Salam.

Speaking to Daily FT following the ifthar party, Consul General Salam said it was heartening to note that the non-Muslim Sri Lankan friends played an active role in organising this party. “We need to carry the message to our motherland to strengthen communal harmony by respecting cultural and religious values of all faiths,” Salam said, adding that this year the number of guests has been increased because of the enthusiasm shown by members of all faiths to organise the event. 

The event was organised by the members of the Sri Lankan community comprising Muslims, Sinhalese, Tamil and Christians. 

The evening program was spiced with a lecture on ‘Significance of Ramadan’ by Dr. Haja Mohideen Mahroof, Sri Lankan obstetrician and gynaecologist, who has been living in the Kingdom for more than three decades. 

The Abeer Polyclinics displayed a health awareness counter during the ifthar party for the benefit of the guests.

The event which was open for Sri Lankan families and singles, who are living in the Kingdom, was attended by a large section of the community living in the western province.

Separate arrangements were made for women and children to break their fast. 

During the ifthar, traditional ‘Kanji’ (porridge) was served to all guests along with Sri Lankan typical short eats and fresh fruit juices followed by dinner.