Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena called upon the Muslim leaders to continue the noble traditions of the Muslim Community to strengthen harmony as Sri Lankans and contributing significantly to the Motherland. He sated this in a Foreword to the publication to mark the centenary celebrations of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference (BMICH) hall today (19).
While President Ranil Wickremesinghe was the Chief Guest at the centenary, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunewardena attended the ceremony for a short period and congratulated ACJU leaders on their centenary celebrations.
“The ACJU, the Council of Islam Religious Scholars of Sri Lanka has rendered a yeoman service not only to the community but also to foster unity and harmony in the multifaceted Sri Lankan society,” the Prime Minister said in his message to the ACJU.
The Muslim community, has from pre-colonial time to post-colonial seven and half decades made a colossal impact in the fabric of Sri Lankan society, he said and added that their religious faith, life-style and culture as well arts and traditions have enriched the Sri Lanka society.
“The Muslim religious and political leaders, educationists and professionals made a lasting contribution to the people and the country over the years and received accolades from the people of all communities.” Premier Gunawardena said in his Foreword to the ACJU centenary publication.
Religious leaders of all faiths, minister, political party leaders, Parliamentarians and foreign and local dignitaries attended the ACJU centenary celebrations. The Key Note speech was delivered by ACJU President Mufti M.I.M. Rizwe. ACJU General Secretary Ash-Shaikh M. Arkam Nooramith, former Minister Ferial Ashroff, former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya were also present on this occasion.