“Rights of our Muslim brethren must be protected” - President
[November 13, 2004 - 5.30 GMT] 

“We must ensure we uphold and protect the identities and the rights of all our peoples. The right of our Muslim brothers to continue to live with dignity and in harmony with all communities must be protected”, states President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga in her message for Ramazan.

Full text of the President’s Ramazan message:

I extend my wishes to all followers of Islam in Sri Lanka on this Id-ul-Fitr Ramazan festival day.

The month of Ramadan is the holiest season in the Islamic faith, a month of when Muslims focus on their faith and practice God's commandments. During this period Muslims around the world renew their commitment to lead lives of honesty, integrity, and compassion.

Islam as all other great religions propagates peace. The Muslim community has for centuries lived in perfect harmony with the Sinhala and Tamil brethren. We cannot allow any force to obliterate this way of life founded on mutual goodwill and tolerance.

This is a definitive moment in our history; we are at the threshold of a negotiated peace after a protracted war. We must ensure we uphold and protect the identities and the rights of all our peoples. The right of our Muslim brothers to continue to live with dignity and in harmony with all communities must be protected.

Eid-Mubarak and Happy Ramazan!

Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga

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Last Updated Date: November 13, 2004 - 5.30 GMT