Fico was shot five times at close range on Wednesday; suspect is a 71-year-old former security guard at a shopping mall and author of three collections of poetry
world1 hour ago
The Sri Lankan community in Dubai have expressed their anguish about the state of affairs back home and denounced all forms of violence stating that they don't endorse beliefs expressed by extremists.
Community leaders, religious leaders, senior members of the community and Sri Lankan Consulate officials gathered in an extraordinary inter-religious peace gathering at the Consulate General in Satwa on Sunday. They offered sincere condolences to Muslim families who lost their loved ones in the recent religious riots.
Muslim, Hindu, Christian and Buddhist spiritual leaders and consulate officials spoke to the residents gathered and pleaded with them to spread the message of peace.
The expat community in Dubai said that they would like to pass an important message to the motherland. "It is not acceptable anymore... Earlier the world was very small. Now we need to work together," said a visitor.
Fahim Nazeer, a resident of Dubai, originally from Dhargatown in Sri Lanka said. "It is a good thing that Sri Lankans have come together today."
Muslim priest Moulawi Riyas Ibnu Thanhan and Kelaniya Wipulagnana Nayaka Thero, a Buddhist priest from Dubai Sri Lankarama Meditation Centre spoke to the audiences. They were accompanied by Hindu priest Rajeev Lahothi and Catholic priest Rev. Father Angelo.
The recent conflicts between Sinhalese Buddhists and the Muslim communities in Kandy, the central province in the island country, has resulted in the Sri Lankan government issuing a country-wide state of emergency.
"This is the work of a few bad sections of the society. Sri Lankan's don't believe in extremism of any form... Sri Lankans in Dubai don't endorse such ideologies," said Consul General of Sri Lanka to Dubai Charitha Yattogoda.
He added:"I offer my profound condolences to the effected families in the Muslim community. No religion advocates violence.' The Consul General said that social media also plays a major role to spread messages of peace. "We have to act responsibly and stand together to fight extremism and work towards a bright future."
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com
Fico was shot five times at close range on Wednesday; suspect is a 71-year-old former security guard at a shopping mall and author of three collections of poetry
world1 hour ago
Chhetri scored 94 goals for India, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the list of active international goal-scorers
football2 hours ago
Prepare yourself for a variety of entertaining activities taking place around the country
entertainment2 hours ago
Here's a guide to eligibility and requirements, as well as salary and benefits
jobs2 hours ago
IndiGo has also resumed daily flights to Lucknow from Zayed International Airport
uae2 hours ago
Residents seen making full use of vacation, with bookings made one day before the holiday starts
uae holidays2 hours ago
The online ID service allows pilgrims to electronically verify their identity through the Absher and Tawakkalna platforms to streamline their journey
gulf2 hours ago
MSME Honours aims to acknowledge budding businesses and entrepreneurs who have made remarkable contributions in the MSME ecosystem across geographies
kt network3 hours ago