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| Friday, 12 November 2004 |
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Musharraf felicitates President Kumaratunga President Pervez Musharraf has appreciated Sri Lanka's contribution to the cause of global peace and prosperity and reinvigoration of SAARC under the leadership of President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, states an Embassy of Pakistan press release. In a message of felicitation to President Kumaratunga on the completion of her 10 years in office, Musharraf has mentioned the progress achieved during this period in economic and social spheres. The text of President Musharraf's message: "On 12 November, the Government and the people of Sri Lanka will commemorate the ten years of their national accomplishments during Your Excellency's tenure of office. On behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan, I wish to congratulate you, the Government and the people of Sri Lanka on your momentous achievements. "We have an abiding respect for the rich values, norms and traditions of Sri Lanka that encapsulate a synthesis of finest thought, intellect, arts and crafts of our common South Asian experience. "We are delighted at the progress achieved by Sri Lanka in economic and social spheres. Sri Lanka has also contributed, under Your Excellency's leadership to the cause of global peace and prosperity; re-invigoration of SAARC; and ardently espoused the vision of common humanity. "The goodwill and friendship between our countries and peoples, based as it is on commonality of interests, a sense of shared destiny and rooted in historical, cultural, philosophical and moral bonds, continues to grow in strength, every passing year. "In truly wishing Sri Lanka ever greater strides in progress and development, the Government and people of Pakistan take great pride in their close friendship and cooperation with Sri Lanka - a shinning pearl of South Asia. "I wish Your Excellency lots of happiness, health and a long life and ever increasing prosperity to the friendly people of Sri Lanka." ***************** Alavi Mowlana, Governor, Western Province says: It is with deep sense of sorrow I join the Islamic World and Muslims Worldwide in condoling the passing away of a great freedom fighter, the President of Palestine Yaser Arafat. Despite very heavy odds, he never wavered from his stance to find a State for his people. In his forty years of struggle to find a decent place to settle his unfortunate people, he never felt for his personal welfare and safety. Such is the leader who could be counted among the righteous rulers. He was a great visionary, a missionary and a revolutionary. I have had the pleasure of meeting him on many occasions. "MY WHOLE LIFE IS DEDICATED TO THE CAUSE OF PALESTINIANS AND I HARDLY SLEEP MORE THAN AN HOUR A DAY". These utterances that he had made still ring in my ears during his last visit to Sri Lanka. His death on a sacred Month and on a Holy day signifies his status he held in the Divine Presence. I kindly request the Trustees and the Katheebs of mosques Islandwide to conduct absentee funeral prayer soon after Jummah. "To Him We Belong and To Him We Return." **************** Rauff Hakeem MP, Leader SLMC states in a press release: The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress joins with millions of people all over the world, especially the Palestinians, who mourn the demise of the Father of the Palestinian Liberation struggle, Yasser Arafat. The SLMC wishes to convey this condolences to the family of Yasar Arafat as well as the Palestinian people on this sad occasion which has seen the whole world stricken with grief and a sense of loss. Hailed as the Father of palestinian Nationalism, late Leader Arafat embodied the grievances of a Palestinian state and fought against forcible Israeli occupation as no other leader did. He continued his struggle for his people till his last days. In a politico - military career that spanned nearly 50 years, he faced the kind of challenges never faced by any other leader in today's world. However none of these political currents could deter him from his resolve to bring justice and dignity to his people. Therefore his demise no doubt leaves a void that could never be filled. The refusal by the Zionist leaders of Israel to allow Arafat to be buried in the Holy city of Jerusalem as he wanted, is a reprehensible act to be decried by peace loving people all over the world. The SLMC appeals to all mosques in the island to conduct special Janaza prayers for the late Leader Arafat, following Jumma prayers on Friday. May Almighty Allah grant him Jennathul Firdouse. |
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