Muslims integral to Sri Lanka, says PM

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said the Muslim community is integral to Sri Lanka and called on them to be guided by the humanistic ideals and social principles that are central to Islam in his Ramadan message. The full statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office is given below: 

The annual observance of Ramadan is of profound significance to Muslims everywhere. It centres around the spirituality, humanistic ideals and social principles that lie at the heart of Islam. These are the values that have guided the Sri Lankan Muslim community, which has long been an integral part of our nation.

Today, Muslims celebrate the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr after a month of fasting, with the sighting of the crescent new moon. May the sense of gratitude, generosity and charity associated with the event inspire us all to find meaning in higher ideals.

This is an occasion to celebrate the true spirit of Islam. It is a faith that stresses the brotherhood and equality of all people. It is far from the despicable, hateful creed of those who killed so many innocents in the recent Easter Sunday attacks. I urge the faithful to be vigilant about extremism, which seeks to stain the name of their great religion. 

Let us all live in solidarity so that our motherland can rise to greater heights. Together, we must usher in a society where liberty, equality and human dignity prevail. May the blessings of this Eid bring peace and happiness to all Muslims in Sri Lanka and across the world!