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Sri Lanka Army

Defender of the Nation

25th June 2016 00:49:46 Hours

Muslims in the Army Sit with Commander for 'Ifthar'

Signalling the gesture of respect and higher regard for religious rites and rituals in Islam, the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva Tuesday (21) evening, sat together with officers and other ranks of Islamic faith to end the fast at sunset during a ceremony, organized by the Army Muslims' Association at Wadduwa Laya Beach Hotel.

After prayers for breaking the fast 'Ifthar', the Commander, together with Brigadier M.H.F Yusuf, Chairman, Army Muslims' Association who is also the Brigadier Army Quartering at the Security Force Headquarters - East and a crowd of more than 250 Army personnel, both officers and other rankers, joined others and partook of some refreshments and symbolized the ritual.

Lieutenant General De Silva made a cash donation to the Moulavi at the end of the programme as a token of support for religious activities.

Mrs Nayana De Silva, President, Army Seva Vanitha Unit, Major General Milinda Peiris, Chief of Staff, Major General Channa Goonetilleke, Commandant, Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, Major General Nandana Udawatta, Adjutant General and Major General B.A Perera, Director General General Staff were also associated with the ceremony.

Hundreds of wives, family members of Army officers and other rankers also joined the occasion in accordance with Islamic traditions.

'Ifthar' is the meal that breaks the daily fast during the month of Ramadan for Muslims across the world. Very much a social event with family members and community members, Muslims during this month share food with those less fortunate and avoid over-eating. Muslims break their fast at the time of the call to prayers at dusk to suit the timings given by respective mosques.