Sri Lanka Business Council UAE hosts diversity-focused Iftar

The Sri Lanka Business Council UAE hosted an Iftar gathering on March 7, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Deira in Dubai. Over 250 guests attended, including diplomats, business leaders, and members of various Sri Lankan organizations. The event highlighted the theme of diversity and unity. Suren Swaminathan, the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Business Council UAE, welcomed everyone and shared memories from his childhood in Nuwara Eliya. He spoke about how people of different religions celebrated festivals together. He stressed that diversity should be seen as an asset and noted the UAE's commitment to community engagement in 2025. The event featured speeches from spiritual leaders who discussed the shared values of fasting in Buddhism and Islam. Ven. Muditha Vihari Thero emphasized compassion and mindfulness, while Rev. Fr. Clarence Roy spoke about the significance of self-sacrifice. Vicks Vigneswaran shared insights on fasting’s role in personal growth, and Riza Mohammed reflected on the communal ties of Ramadan. Alexi Gunasekara, Consul General of Sri Lanka to Dubai, noted how living in the UAE enriched his understanding of fasting and its universal values. The event also included a recitation by young Atheeq Sharief and was emceed by Lakna Godahena. The audience enjoyed a quiz competition led by Nakshitha Naseer, and guests were treated to Sri Lankan delicacies and gift bags. The main sponsor for the evening was Shiraj Finance, whose support was crucial to the event’s success. Concluding the gathering, Swaminathan highlighted the importance of embracing diversity and fostering respect among communities. Attendees left with a sense of shared values, reinforcing the idea that diverse groups can thrive together.