Even though the religions followed by people are different, the ethical principles they teach and the path they lead to are the same, stated Hon. Governor of Northern Province Nagalingam Vethanayahan. He further noted that the Northern Province equally respects the traditions of people of all ethnicities and religions, and has been excellently promoting their festivals and celebrations.
The Governor made these remarks while attending as the chief guest and delivering an address at the special Iftar event held today – on Monday 16 March 2026, at Vavuniya Muslim Maha Vidyalaya, organized by the Northern Province Ministry of Education, Cultural Affairs, Sports, and Youth Affairs.
Guests who attended the event were welcomed in accordance with Islamic cultural traditions, and cultural performances also took place at the venue.
Continuing his address at the event, the Governor further stated:
“Ramadan is a month filled with blessings. It is a sacred month that offers abundant opportunities to perform good deeds and draw closer to God (Allah). Muslims believe that this month has many special qualities: the gates of heaven are opened, the gates of hell are closed, it contains a night (Laylat al-Qadr) superior to a thousand months, and it is the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.
Fasting, one of the obligatory acts of worship in Islam, is entirely different from the sacrifices expected in other forms of worship. Fasting involves restraining hunger, thirst, and desires during the daytime in anticipation of the good reward from God. It should not be regarded merely as a ritual but must be fulfilled with the noble intention of worshipping God.
The primary objective of fasting is to cultivate God-consciousness (Taqwa) within oneself. Taqwa means fearing God, performing what He has commanded, and avoiding what He has prohibited. When a fasting person is alone in a place where no one knows, even when afflicted by hunger and thirst, refraining from eating or drinking out of fear of God represents the highest manifestation of this purity of heart. Merely enduring hunger and thirst does not constitute fasting; the religion teaches that keeping God in mind during this time is the best way to attain paradise.
All religions teach the appropriate good path for humanity. We must all engage in beneficial actions that guide future generations toward righteousness. The human soul is eternal and indestructible. Just as past actions determine the present, present actions determine the future. Therefore, by following the good ethical principles shown by religions, all of humanity should live in happiness.”
Among those who participated in the event were Hon. Upali Samarasinghe, Deputy Minister of Cooperative Development; the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province; the District Secretary of Vavuniya; the Secretary of the Provincial Ministry of Education – Northern Province; the Director of the Provincial Department of Cultural Affairs – Northern Province; religious leaders; school principals, teachers, students, and members of the public.
