June 27, 2016
Honorable Ministers, Distinguished Guests, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Friends, AssalaamuAlekhum.
I would like to welcome all of you this evening for this Iftar dinner to break your fasts during this holy month of Ramadan.
Americans have been participating in Iftar meals for a long time. Over 200 years ago, one of America’s first Presidents and the author of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom and the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, hosted the first Muslim Ambassador to the United States, a Tunisian, for an Iftar dinner at the White House.
While the month of Ramadan is an opportunity for fasting and spiritual reflection, Iftars are a chance to remember and honor traditions as well as celebrate shared values of family, charity, and community. Coming together, we are reminded of the common values that bind us, no matter what nationality.
The Muslim community forms an integral part of Sri Lanka’s cultural identity. The Embassy’s relationship with the Muslim community in Sri Lanka is one we value greatly.
Ramadan is a holy month of reflection, forgiveness, compassion for those less fortunate, and unity across communities.
As we reflect on these core values of Ramadan, we also look to the future of the country– and the dedication Sri Lankans have shown in seeking to transform their country into a united, reconciled, peaceful, prosperous nation with equal opportunity for all. The United States stands with you, and will work to help Sri Lanka maintain its rightful place as a democratic and peaceful nation, and a strong contributor to the global economy.
I want to conclude by wishing everyone a very blessed month and thank you all for joining us here at this lovely venue.
Ramadan Kareem.
Honorable Ministers, Distinguished Guests, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Friends, AssalaamuAlekhum.
I would like to welcome all of you this evening for this Iftar dinner to break your fasts during this holy month of Ramadan.
Americans have been participating in Iftar meals for a long time. Over 200 years ago, one of America’s first Presidents and the author of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom and the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, hosted the first Muslim Ambassador to the United States, a Tunisian, for an Iftar dinner at the White House.
While the month of Ramadan is an opportunity for fasting and spiritual reflection, Iftars are a chance to remember and honor traditions as well as celebrate shared values of family, charity, and community. Coming together, we are reminded of the common values that bind us, no matter what nationality.
The Muslim community forms an integral part of Sri Lanka’s cultural identity. The Embassy’s relationship with the Muslim community in Sri Lanka is one we value greatly.
Ramadan is a holy month of reflection, forgiveness, compassion for those less fortunate, and unity across communities.
As we reflect on these core values of Ramadan, we also look to the future of the country– and the dedication Sri Lankans have shown in seeking to transform their country into a united, reconciled, peaceful, prosperous nation with equal opportunity for all. The United States stands with you, and will work to help Sri Lanka maintain its rightful place as a democratic and peaceful nation, and a strong contributor to the global economy.
I want to conclude by wishing everyone a very blessed month and thank you all for joining us here at this lovely venue.
Ramadan Kareem.
