Eid-Ul-Fitr, an important date in Islamic calendar - President

"I am pleased to send this message of greetings to the devotees of Islam as they celebrate the festival of Eid-Ul-Fitr, states President Mahinda Rajapaksa in an Eid-Ul-Fitr message.

The message: "On this important date in the Islamic calendar, the Muslim community of Sri Lanka, together with their brothers in faith the world over, marks the completion of the period of fasting and religious practice which is the most significant of the annual traditions of Islam.

It is the time of rejoicing at the end of a holy month of strict religious observances, strengthening spiritual life, through prayer and sacrifice in keeping with the teaching of the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet Mohammed.

"The Muslims of Sri Lanka will be glad for the opportunity to carry out the religious observances of the past month in the peace that prevails in our country, as they live in harmony with all other communities to whom this country is motherland.

"This is an occasion to recall the contributions made by the Muslim community for the progress of Sri Lanka, in a culture of harmony and understanding, and to look forward to its continued participation in activities for the progress of Sri Lanka.

"I wish all followers of Islam in Sri Lanka a happy Eid-Ul-Fitr.

Eid-Mubarak!

'Fasting paves way to pious, prosperous life' -PM

With devotion in mind, I send this message of felicitation on the day of Eid-Ul-Fitr (Ramazan Festival), the Day of Equality being celebrated to mark the month of the manifestation of Holy Quran, the blessed guideline

that shows the way for a peaceful living among Islamic devotees with equality and co-existence, states Prime Minister D M Jayaratne in a Eid-Ul-Fitr message.

The message adds: "At this noble event it should be borne in mind that Nabi Mohammed (Sal) has said that nobody in society shall starve on the day of Ramazan, that begins after accomplishment of the ritual, the seeing of the New Moon on having observed one month long fasting.

"My personal point of belief is that the ritual of fasting that paves way to a pious and prosperous life is not a mere observance carried out obeying Almighty Aliah's Orders, but also it should be made use of as a cultural bridge that nurtures goodwill among all nations.

"At a time where a tranquil environment has been established in the country, to live in peace and co-existence, under the brave leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, being Islamic devotees, there is a big role of responsibility upon you as Sri Lankans.

"So, it is my sincere hope that you may all have power and courage towards achieving the worthy cause of strengthening the wall of co-existence among us".

Ramazan marks festival of charity -Senior Minister A H M Fowzie

Muslims throughout the world celebrate the festival of Charity on Ramazan day following the completion of fasting for one month as ordained by Allah. They stand purified in their soul and body, as they underwent a series of disciplinary process of controlling the self, said Senior Minister for Urban Affairs A H M Fowzie issuing a Ramazan Day message.

The message: For a Muslim, fasting is not complete by starving from dawn to dusk alone. He should avoid all sinful acts. He should personify himself with noble qualities of forgiveness, patience, tolerance, generosity and inclination towards humanitarian deeds.

On completion of the fast, the Muslims have reaped rich dividends from Allah that should make us more strong in accomplishing our task in society. Our main task ahead of us is to achieve national peace where it will create an environment that people of all communities will be ensured sufficient safeguards to their life, property, dignity, and honour, besides facilitating the fulfillment of their needs and aspirations.