Monday Mar 16, 2026
Monday Mar 16, 2026
Monday, 16 March 2026 04:54 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
SLBC UAE Chairman Suren Swaminathan (third from right) with Venerable Pothuhera Mahindasiri Thero, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Gunasekaram, and India’s Mind & Intellect Initiative Founder S.A. Sreedharan
SLBC UAE Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Farook Kassim
In a powerful celebration of interfaith harmony and cultural unity, the Sri Lankan Business Council (SLBC) UAE hosted its annual Community Iftar under the theme “Celebrating Our Diversity,” bringing together religious leaders, academics, diplomats and members of the international business community.
Despite initial uncertainty due to the outbreak of conflict in the region on the same day, the event proved to be a resounding success, drawing nearly 230 attendees, exceeding the planned capacity of 200.
Representatives from several international business councils including the Turkish, Malaysian, Afghan, Indian, Vietnamese and Pakistani Business Councils, as well as trade councils and community organisations, were among those present. Many guests noted that seeing leaders from four major religions sharing the same platform and reflecting together on the meaning of fasting was both rare and inspiring.
The event commenced with opening remarks by SLBC Vice Chairman Shihan Sheriff, who spoke about the importance of dialogue, tolerance and understanding in a world increasingly marked by division.
The evening’s proceedings were ably compered by Kasun Sigera, who guided the programme with warmth and professionalism.
A moving Qira’ath recitation was delivered by Master Yusuf Naushad, who beautifully recited verses from the Holy Qur’an and also translated their meaning into English, allowing guests from different faiths and backgrounds to appreciate the spiritual message.
Interfaith reflections on fasting
The heart of the evening was an interfaith segment where religious leaders reflected on the spiritual significance of fasting.
Venerable Pothuhera Mahindasiri Thero, a respected Sri Lankan Buddhist monk associated with the Shraddha Media Network, spoke about mindfulness, compassion and the discipline cultivated through spiritual practice.
Rev. Fr. Gabriel Gunasekaram reflected on the Christian understanding of fasting as a path toward humility, reflection and spiritual renewal.
Representing the Hindu tradition, India’s Mind and Intellect Initiative founder Sridharanji, spoke about fasting as a practice that cultivates discipline, self-control and inner balance, strengthening both the mind and the spirit.
Representing the Muslim community, SLBC Past Chairman Riza Mohammed spoke about the deeper meaning of fasting during Ramadan, emphasising compassion, empathy and spiritual reflection.
Adding a scientific dimension to the evening, Professor Nishan Sudheera Kalupahana, an internationally recognised academic in nutrition and metabolic health, delivered a compelling keynote explaining the physiological and health benefits of fasting, illustrating how modern research increasingly validates practices long embedded in religious traditions.
Adam’s Peak as a symbol of Sri Lanka’s diversity
Due to time constraints, SLBC Chairman Suren Swaminathan delivered his remarks after the breaking of the fast, where he reflected on Sri Lanka’s unique history of coexistence among multiple faiths.
A central theme of his address was Sri Pada — or Adam’s Peak — which he described as one of the most powerful symbols of Sri Lanka’s civilisational diversity.
The sacred mountain is revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Christians and Muslims, each associating the footprint at its summit with its own spiritual tradition.
Swaminathan noted that there are very few places in the world where followers of four major religions venerate the same sacred site.
“Sri Pada stands as a timeless reminder that mutual respect and coexistence have long been part of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage,” he said.
He also humorously remarked that Sri Lankans sometimes appear more loyal to their school flag than their national flag, emphasising the need for Sri Lankans to celebrate the thousands of years of diversity that define the nation.
Honour for a community pillar
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the SLBC Lifetime Achievement Award to Farook Kassim, recognising his 50 years of service in the UAE and his longstanding contributions to the Sri Lankan community.
Introducing the award, Chairman Swaminathan explained the stringent criteria used by the Council in selecting recipients of this rare honour and described Kassim as a gentleman, philanthropist and a silent pillar of strength for the community.
Following the introduction, all SLBC Board Members were invited on stage to jointly present the commemorative memento, marking the Council’s collective appreciation of his decades of service.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is conferred sparingly. The last such honour was presented in 2014 to veteran community leader Chakratharan, while the Lanka Lions Sports Club, founded in 1977, was also recognised for its role in bringing Sri Lankans together through sports and community engagement.
Giving back to the community
In keeping with the spirit of Ramadan and compassion, the organisers also anonymously invited ten deserving families to participate in the Iftar, ensuring that the event reflected the true values of sharing and inclusiveness.
In addition, 40 dry ration packs will be distributed to deserving families through the Sri Lankan Embassy, the Sahana Welfare Association, religious institutions and community recommendations.
The event was supported by Siraj Finance, Continental Insurance Brokers, FRICO and Suren Agency, while Unilever, Braun, Dilmah and Pullman Hotel contributed towards the giveaway packs distributed to attendees.
Although Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the UAE, Professor Arusha Cooray, had to cancel her attendance at the last moment due to urgent responsibilities arising from the evolving regional situation, the strong turnout and enthusiastic participation reflected the significance of the gathering.
At a time when global tensions dominate headlines, the SLBC Community Iftar served as a reminder that dialogue, respect and shared values across cultures and faiths remain essential foundations for peace and coexistence.
