Media Release
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Netherlands hosted an Iftar ceremony at the Embassy premises on 14
March 2026, with the participation of a cross-section of the Sri Lankan community in the Netherlands.
The ceremony began with a video presentation portraying traditional Ramadan celebrations in Sri Lanka.
The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Netherlands, Rekha Gunasekera welcomed the Sri Lankan
community to the Iftar celebrations and highlighted that Sri Lanka is rich in ethnic and religious diversity
which is one of the country’s greatest assets. This diversity was visible at the gathering, as Sri Lanka
diaspora who were Buddhist, Hindu and Catholic also participated at the Iftar celebration together with
their Muslim friends. The Ambassador further stated that the country is home to a vibrant Muslim
community and they have been actively contributing to its socio-economic development. The values of
Ramadan — empathy for the less fortunate, gratitude, and compassion, are values that resonate with Sri
Lankan society as a whole. This was witnessed most recently, when the country suffered at the hands of
Cyclone Ditwah and all communities joined hands in helping those affected.
All arrangements were made by the Embassy Staff for the holding of Islamic prayers and to break fast
with Sri Lankan kanji and short eats. A traditional Sri Lanka style Iftar dinner followed afterwards. The
Iftar gathering served as a platform to celebrate Sri Lankan culture, foster community relations and
strengthen bonds among Sri Lankans in the Netherlands.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
The Hague
23 March 2026
