Saudi Arabia launches programs to provide iftar meals for fasting people and distribute dates in Sri Lanka
As part of its ongoing efforts to serve Muslims around the world during the holy month of Ramadan, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, represented by the Religious Attaché at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in India (and supervising the work in Sri Lanka), has begun implementing the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ programs for distributing dates and providing Iftar meals to fasting people in the Republic of Sri Lanka for the year 1445 AH.
The inauguration ceremony took place during an official ceremony held at the Kingdom’s embassy in the capital, Colombo, in the presence of the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Sri Lanka, Khalid bin Hamoud Al-Qahtani, and the Sri Lankan Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Mohamed Munir Muzaffar, along with a number of Islamic figures and heads of associations and advocacy centers in the country.
Details of the aid and the number of beneficiaries
This program is part of a comprehensive system of charitable initiatives sponsored by the Saudi leadership. The Ministry explained that the plan in Sri Lanka includes the distribution of approximately 5 tons of premium dates. The dates program is expected to benefit around 20,000 fasting individuals from various social backgrounds.
In parallel with the distribution of dates, the “Iftar for Fasting People” project was launched, which aims to provide complete Iftar meals to about 5,000 beneficiaries in various regions and cities of Sri Lanka, thus contributing to meeting the needs of many families during the holy month and bringing joy to their hearts.
The Kingdom's humanitarian and global message
This initiative is not limited to Sri Lanka alone, but rather comes within a broader global context reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's leadership in Islamic and humanitarian work. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Dates Distribution Program covers 120 countries worldwide this year, while the Iftar (breaking the fast) program extends to 70 countries, clearly demonstrating the Kingdom's commitment, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman – may God protect them – to addressing the needs of Muslims everywhere.
Strengthening fraternal and diplomatic ties
For his part, Sri Lanka's Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Mohamed Munir Muzaffar, expressed his appreciation for this generous gesture and conveyed his deep gratitude to the Saudi leadership. He emphasized that such annual programs play a pivotal role in strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and affection between the two nations and underscore the depth of the bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Sri Lanka.
These programs serve as a bridge for cultural and human communication, through which the Ministry of Islamic Affairs aims to promote the values of social solidarity and compassion, and to affirm the Kingdom’s leading role as the Qibla of Muslims and the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, leaving a positive impact on the beneficiaries and enhancing the bright image of Islam and its tolerance.
