‘Salam Ramadan’ to light up Colombo

Thursday, 13 March 2025 00:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

From left: Members of the Ramadan Task Force Mohamed Cader, Boshan Dayaratne, Dinali Dandeniya , Haroun Cader, Aman Ashraff, Governor Hanif Yusoof, Rizan Nazeer, Sandra Sourjah, Imran Naffeel, and Dastaqir ismail

Cultural festival and citywide celebrations from 21 to 31 March
Multi-stakeholder initiative aimed at celebrating diversity, strengthening community bonds

By Amira Cader

The Western Provincial Council yesterday announced the launch of an exciting new initiative, the Salam Ramadan campaign, which will take place from 21 to 31 March which will include a cultural festival from 21-23 March at Green Path, Colombo 7

The multi-stakeholder initiative aims to enhance the Ramadan experience through a cultural festival at Green Path, offering both a festive atmosphere and a deeper understanding of the Holy Month of Ramadan and the cultural practices of the Sri Lankan Muslims.

Designed as a hybrid celebration of food, culture, and tradition, Salam Ramadan seeks to bridge gaps in awareness and foster greater unity through cultural exchange. The initiative aligns with the Government vision of promoting social cohesion and celebrating the country’s rich cultural diversity. Through this campaign, the Western Provincial Council, spearheaded by Governor Hanif Yusoof, aims to strengthen community ties and promote interfaith understanding among all Sri Lankans.

The Salam Ramadan festival will take place in Colombo, where the city will be illuminated with lights to create a vibrant, festive atmosphere. The cultural showcase will offer a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to experience the diverse traditions, practices, and culinary delights that characterise the Sri Lankan Muslim community’s observance of Ramadan.

Ramadan Task Force Chairman Rizan Nazeer said: “Ramadan is more than just a month of fasting. It is a time to share with our fellow Sri Lankans the rich cultural practices, traditions, and food that are so closely tied to this sacred period.”

The Sri Lankan Muslim community is made up of four distinct ethnic groups – Moors, Memons, Malays, and Dawoodi Bohras – each with their own unique cultural practices. Salam Ramadan will spotlight these traditions, showcasing the vibrant diversity within the Muslim community. This diversity offers a tremendous opportunity for building bridges between different groups in Sri Lanka.

“When you consider the distinct cultural norms of the Moors, Memons, Malays, and Dawoodi Bohras, you can see how an event like this has the potential to foster greater understanding and unity,” Nazeer added.

The festival’s activities will include traditional food stalls, cultural performances, and interactive sessions aimed at promoting dialogue between different communities. The event promises to be a space for both economic engagement and social interaction, providing a platform for local businesses and artisans to showcase their offerings during the Ramadan period.

Salam Ramadan is expected to become an annual celebration, further enhancing the Ramadan experience for people of all faiths and backgrounds across Colombo.

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