May 28, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has extended warm Eid al-Adha greetings to Muslims in Sri Lanka and around the world, describing the sacred occasion as a powerful reminder of faith, sacrifice and humanity’s shared values.
In his message marking Eid al-Adha, observed on 28 May 2026, the President reflected on the enduring legacy of Prophet Ibrahim, whose devotion and willingness to sacrifice in obedience to Almighty Allah remain central to Islamic belief. He noted that the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca continues to inspire millions of worshippers and stands as one of the most significant religious obligations in Islam.
The President emphasised that the gathering of Muslims from diverse nations and backgrounds during Hajj demonstrates the true spirit of equality and unity. He observed that pilgrims come together regardless of race, nationality or social standing, offering a meaningful example of brotherhood in an increasingly divided world.
Referring to ongoing unrest and instability in parts of the Middle East, President Dissanayake said the values promoted through Eid al-Adha and the Hajj pilgrimage are especially important at a time when global peace and understanding are under strain. He stressed that compassion, coexistence and mutual respect are essential in overcoming conflict and fostering harmony among communities.
He further stated that the Government remains committed to building a society rooted in peace, solidarity and selflessness, encouraging all Sri Lankans to embrace the principles symbolised by the festival.
Concluding his message, the President conveyed his heartfelt wishes for a peaceful and blessed Eid al-Adha, expressing hope that the occasion would strengthen unity and spiritual understanding both in Sri Lanka and across the world.
Full Statement:
“Today, 28 May 2026, marks the observance of the sacred festival of Eid al-Adha, celebrated with deep devotion by Muslims across the world.
According to Islamic belief, the Hajj commemoration symbolises the unwavering faith and unparalleled sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim in devotion to Almighty Allah. The observance holds special significance as the pilgrimage to Mecca is regarded as the fifth of the five great obligations of Islam.
In a world increasingly affected by conflict and division, the Hajj festival offers a profound example of the importance of human solidarity and mutual compassion. I firmly believe that this gathering, where Muslims from all corners of the world come together irrespective of race, nationality or social standing to perform religious rites in unity, conveys to humanity a powerful message of equality and brotherhood.
Furthermore, even amidst the difficulties currently faced by the world due to the conflict situation in the Middle East, Muslim devotees undertaking the pilgrimage to Mecca continue to commemorate the immense sacrifice and devotion demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim throughout his life.
The vision of our Government, too, is to build a compassionate and harmonious society founded on peace, unity and selflessness rather than selfishness. As we pursue this journey, I urge all citizens to embrace more closely in their lives the values embodied by the Hajj celebration, peace, brotherhood and sacrifice.
As we continue to enrich Sri Lankan society with spiritual values and move forward together in a spirit of brotherhood towards building a developed nation where the benefits of progress are shared by all, I extend my heartfelt wishes to the Muslim community in Sri Lanka and across the world for a blessed Eid al-Adha.
Eid – Mubarak!”