The National Milad-Un-Nabi commemoration ceremony was held this afternoon (05) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Masjidul Aroosiya Jumma Mosque premises in the Malay Colony village, Ambalantota.
The event was organised by the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, together with the Department of Muslim Religious And Cultural Affairs, to mark the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad. A special feature of the commemoration was the active participation and support extended by people of all faiths in the area, including members of the Maha Sangha.
On this occasion, the President was presented with the commemorative postage stamp issued to mark the 2025 National Milad-Un-Nabi celebrations. He was also presented with a book titled The History and Development of the Muslim Community in Hambantota District, compiled to highlight the cultural and historical value of the Muslim community in Hambantota.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also awarded prizes and certificates to the winners of an art competition held across all schools in Hambantota District. The competition, open to students of all communities, aimed at fostering ethnic harmony among schoolchildren.
In recognition of his participation in the 2025 National Milad-Un-Nabi commemoration, the President was presented with a commemorative gift, while the Muslim community of Hambantota and the Board of Trustees of the Jumma Mosque also offered him a special memento.
Addressing the gathering, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, stated that discussions were already underway to further increase Sri Lanka’s quota for Hajj pilgrimages. He noted that this would help reduce costs for local devotees and enable a greater number of pilgrims to perform the Hajj in future.
The Minister also conveyed the condolences of the President and the government to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic bus accident that occurred on the Ella–Wellawaya main road last night (04).
Deputy Minister of National Integration, Muneer Mulaffer, in his address, emphasised that peace, unity and mutual respect were the core teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
He further noted that the present government aspires to build a beautiful nation founded on peace and coexistence among all people. Recalling the strong participation of local communities in making the 2025 National Milad-Un-Nabi commemoration a success, he said that such unity reinforced confidence in building a harmonious nation.