| My
good wishes and greeting go to all our followers of Islam
today, on the occasion of the religious festival of Eidul
Aldha Hajj.
The Hajj festival as it is commonly
known is one of the most important events in the Islamic
calendar. This is the time when in keeping with tradition
millions of Muslims from the world over gather at Holy
Mecca to offer prayers.
The Governments of Sri Lanka have
always facilitated the Hajj pilgrimages of our Muslims
to Holy Mecca. This State patronage is a good example
of the peaceful coexistence among religions in Sri Lanka,
as well as the religious freedom enjoyed in our country.
I am particularly glad that this
year we were able to increase the number of Hajj pilgrims
from Sri Lanka by 1000, above the quota allotted to
Sri Lanka, following a special request I made to His
Majesty King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud of Saudi
Arabia, in keeping with our tradition of assisting all
religions.
I wish you all a prayerful Eidul
Aldha Hajj, and share in the spirit of your prayers
for a return to peace in Sri Lanka, where all our people
can live in harmony and without fear.
Eid Mubarak!
Mahinda Rajapaksa
December 21, 2006
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