Sri Lankan Muslims Celebrate Eid al-Fitr

Muslims across Sri Lanka are celebrating Eid al-Fitr today, Monday, March 31, 2025, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The official announcement was made following the sighting of the crescent moon, as confirmed by the Colombo Grand Mosque, All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama, and the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs. ​

Eid al-Fitr, also known as the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," is a significant religious holiday observed by Muslims worldwide. It signifies the conclusion of Ramadan, a month dedicated to fasting, prayer, and reflection. The festival begins with a special prayer, Salat al-Eid, performed in mosques and open areas, bringing together communities in a spirit of gratitude and unity.​

In Sri Lanka, Eid is a public holiday, allowing families to come together for festive meals, exchange gifts, and engage in charitable activities. Traditional dishes and sweets are prepared, and new clothes are often worn to mark the occasion. The day emphasizes community, generosity, and spiritual renewal.​

The date of Eid al-Fitr varies annually, depending on the lunar Islamic calendar and the sighting of the new moon. In 2025, the festival falls earlier in the Gregorian calendar compared to previous years. 

As Sri Lankan Muslims join their brethren worldwide in celebrating Eid al-Fitr, the occasion serves as a reminder of the values of compassion, unity, and gratitude that underpin the festival.

Eid-ul-Fitr Message by the President Anura Kumara Disanayake:
Eid-ul-Fitr, celebrated by Muslims worldwide after a month of fasting and upon sighting the new moon, holds great significance in the Islamic religious calendar.

Fasting during Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam, embodies the values of sacrifice, self-discipline and simplicity by distancing oneself from worldly desires. This period serves as a reminder of the importance of generosity towards those suffering from hunger and as an opportunity for self-restraint and spiritual growth, which devout Muslims deeply cherish.

As Sri Lanka undergoes various social, economic and political transformations, the teachings of Islam provide an excellent example for building a society rooted in freedom, equality, solidarity and human dignity. I strongly believe that these values serve as guiding principles in our collective journey toward a just and harmonious nation.

Furthermore, as we strive to foster a responsible and ethical political culture, one that values accountability over corruption and the misuse of public resources, the principles of self-restraint and sacrifice emphasized during Ramadan offer an inspiring model. They remind us of the need to cultivate a governance system that is sensitive to the aspirations and well-being of its people.
Eid-ul-Fitr is a celebration that transcends religious boundaries, promoting unity, compassion and selflessness. On this auspicious occasion, I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankan and global Muslim communities.

May this Eid-ul-Fitr bring peace, reconciliation and the fulfillment of our shared hopes for a new era of renewal and prosperity.