Hosting the Ifthar (breaking fast) for the 3^rd consecutive year, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama stated that he began the tradition of hosting Ifthar during the holy month of Ramadhan following his appointment as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He also stated that this tradition of celebrating important festivals and observances associated with the four major religions practised in Sri Lanka will continue.

This year, the Ifthar was held at the residence of Minister Bogollagama in Kotte on 8^th September 2009, and commenced with the breaking of the fast at sunset followed by ‘magrib’ prayers after which the distinguished gathering were hosted to a sumptuous dinner reflecting the food preference of the Muslim community.

The invitees to this year’s Ifthar included the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ministers, Parliamentarians, the Governor of the Western Province, Senior Officials of the Government of Sri Lanka, Heads of Missions from Muslim countries including Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Indonesia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Pakistan and Palestine, dignitaries and the officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

Colombo

9^th September 2009