“We look forward to the day when the Northern Muslims return to their homes” says President  

[Thursday, December 20, 2007 - 10.20 GMT]  

On this day that is special to the Muslims, we look forward to the day when the Muslims from the North will be able to return to their homes there and renew life in peace and harmony said President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his Hajj message. 

“At a time when Sri Lanka is facing then daunting task of restoring peace and unity among all, the Muslims of the East are now able to live without fear and with new opportunities for progress. The prayers of all Muslims of this day of special religious observances will no doubt be directed towards the success of efforts towards peace with dignity for all,” President Rajapaksa added. 

Full text of the message 

I am pleased to send this message of greetings on the occasion of the celebration of Eid-ul-Adha, the festival of Hajj, by the Islamic community of Sri Lanka. 

This festival which culminates the Hajj pilgrimage, the embodiment of sacrifice, is the greatest annual event of the Islamic world, with nearly 4 million Muslims form the world over gathering at the Holy City of Mecca, facing which direction all Muslims pray five times every day. 

The Muslims of Sri Lanka have been provided all facilities to participate in this annual pilgrimage, in which they renew their commitment to the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet Muhammad, and pray for peace, brotherhood and understanding among all people of the world. 

The Muslims of Sri Lanka have made significant contributions to the progress of our country and for the happiness of all our people. Throughout history they have lived in harmony with the other communities in our country, and continue to do so. 

At a time when Sri Lanka is facing then daunting task of restoring peace and unity among all, the Muslims of the East are now able to live without fear and with new opportunities for progress. On this day that is special to the Muslims, we look forward to the day when the Muslims from the North will be able to return to their hones there and renew life in peace and harmony. The prayers of all Muslims of this day of special religious observances will no doubt be directed towards the success of efforts towards peace with dignity for all. 

I am glad to wish all the Muslim people of Sri Lanka a spiritually elevating, happy and peaceful Eid-ul-Adha.

Mahinda Rajapaksa
December 20, 2007