WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sri Lankan Americans who are part of the  Washington area Muslim community joined together at the Embassy of Sri Lanka  Sept. 5 to celebrate Ifthar, or the breaking of the fast, as part of  Ramadan.

The Ifthar ceremony continued an embassy tradition of celebrating the important ceremonies of the religions of  Sri Lanka. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is celebrated by fasting from dawn until sundown.

Mr.Nazeer Azeez conducted prayers  during the Ifthar, reminding the guests that Ramadan is also meant as a time of  contemplation, forgiveness and renewal.

Deputy Chief of Mission Tissa Wijeratne opened the ceremony by welcoming the embassy's guests on behalf of Ambassador  Jaliya Wickramasuriya. The deputy said that the fasting of Ramadan represents a lesson in discipline and devotion, "that others may learn from."

"As you all know, the Muslim community in Sri Lanka has made so many significant contributions to society," Mr.  Wijeratne said. "Wherever we look, whether it is in politics or in the business  professions, academic or cultural fields -- in every sphere -- the Muslim  community has played a vital role."

A reception followed the breaking of  the fast and Maghrib Prayers.

SOURCE Embassy of Sri Lanka

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