Hajj message:

Peace with dignity to all - President

President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his Hajj message fervently wished that prayers of all Muslims of Sri Lanka will be directed towards peace with dignity to all.

The message states:

This festival which culminates in the Hajj pilgrimage, the embodiment of sacrifice, is the greatest annual event of the Islamic world, with nearly four million Muslims from the world over including around 5,000 from Sri Lanka, gather at the Holy City of Mecca to perform Hajj.

Hajj also symbolises the spirit of unity when millions of pilgrims speaking different languages and belonging to different nationalities and cultures proclaim the same mission - divinity, unity and greatness of God.

This spirit of unity should prevail throughout their lives and shared with the faithful of other religions in the larger interest of brotherhood of man.

The Muslims of Sri Lanka have made significant contributions to the progress of our country and for the happiness of all our people. Throughout history, they have lived in harmony with the other communities in our country, and continue to do so.

With the end to three decades of terrorism, the Muslims of the North and East are now able to live without fear with new opportunities for progress. Due to speedy resettlements in the North, the Muslims there are able to return to their homes to renew life in peace and harmony.

The prayers of all Muslims of this day of special religious observances will no doubt be directed towards peace, with dignity for all,” the message said.