With the blessing of the spiritual leader of Russian Muslims, Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin, Imam-Khatib of the Moscow Cathedral Mosque Damirdzhan Zainuddinov took part in the Sri Lankan Independence Day ceremony at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Moscow on the 77th anniversary of independence.

The event was attended by religious leaders of the Orthodox and Buddhist communities of Russia and Sri Lanka, a representative of the Hindu community, diplomats and students.

After singing the anthem of Sri Lanka, the participants of the event honoured the memory of those who died in the struggle for the country's independence with a minute of silence.

Damirjan Zainuddinov conveyed greetings and good wishes on behalf of the Chairman of the DUM of the Russian Federation, Chief Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin. The Imam-Khatib of the Moscow Cathedral Mosque expressed gratitude to the diplomatic corps of the Sri Lankan Embassy and noted the hospitality with which it has been welcoming representatives of various faiths within its walls for many years.

‘We pray to Allah for peace and harmony in our country, friendly Sri Lanka and the whole world,’ Damirjan Zainuddinov emphasised.

Let us recall that the date of 4 February 1948 in the history of Sri Lanka (former Ceylon) marked the end of the colonial period of more than 150 years and the establishment of a new sovereign state. The determination and resilience of the people in the struggle for independence made it possible to get rid of British rule. On 22 May 1972, Sri Lanka finally gained independence and became the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

Press Service of the RBM of the Russian Federation.