Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, in a message for Hajj said the festival brings together the global community of Muslims, encouraging them to share a fellowship of compassion and love, empathy and co-existence.

‘Muslims throughout the world celebrate Haj as a holy pilgrimage undertaken as a sacred religious rite that recalls the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim,’ the Prime Minister’s message read.

‘Haj festival brings together the global community of Muslims, encouraging them to share a fellowship of compassion and love, empathy and co-existence, all of them exemplary qualities that the world can learn much from.’

‘At a time when spiritual guidance and values are needed in our society more than ever, Haj would indeed be a time for reflection and unity not only for Muslims but for all citizens.’

‘May Muslims in Sri Lanka and the world enjoy and celebrate a meaningful Id-ul-Alha,’ he said