Sri Lanka: RVA Freelancer Launches ‘Salam and Shalom’ to Promote Christian–Muslim Dialogue

A new book titled “Salam and Shalom,” written by Mahinda Namal, was launched on March 8 at Kalutara Muslim Central College, in Kalutara South, about 40 km south of Colombo, highlighting efforts to strengthen interreligious dialogue in Sri Lanka.

Namal, a veteran journalist and freelance writer for Radio Veritas Asia, presents the book as a reflection on Christian–Muslim relations and the importance of dialogue between faith communities.

The launch gathered Christian and Muslim clergy as well as lay participants, reflecting the book’s theme of cooperation between religious traditions.

The book’s release comes during a symbolic period for interfaith relations. The year 2026 marks the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, a landmark document of the Second Vatican Council that reshaped the Catholic Church’s relationship with other religions.

It also coincides with a jubilee marking the legacy of Francis of Assisi, remembered for his historic encounter with Al-Kamil during the Crusades, often cited as an early example of Christian–Muslim dialogue.

Reflection During Lent and Ramadan

Addressing the gathering, Fr Sherad Jayawardena, a priest of the archdiocese of Colombo and well known social activist, noted that the Christian season of Lent and the Muslim holy month of Ramadan are being observed at the same time this year.

“Both communities are in a period of reflection on the values taught by their faiths. “Salam and Shalom” can serve as a guide for such reflection,” he said.

Fr. Jayawardena also warned against the misuse of religion for political purposes, saying that rediscovering the authentic message of faith is essential to prevent religion from being manipulated for conflict.

Islamic Scholar Highlights Importance of Dialogue

The keynote address from the Islamic perspective was delivered by Moulavi Al‑Sheikh‑Nasik Farook, who was the first Muslim to earn a master’s degree in Sinhala and Pali from a Sri Lankan university.

Farook said that dialogue, rather than extremism, is the path toward overcoming religious tensions.

He noted that ignorance about each other’s traditions often becomes a tool used by political actors to divide communities. He added that the book encourages readers not only to seek unity but also to appreciate diversity.

Using references from both the Bible and the Quran, Farook said the author illustrates the shared spiritual roots of Christians and Muslims.

Symbolic Gesture on International Women’s Day

The event, held on International Women’s Day, began with a symbolic reading from the Bible and the Quran.

The readings were delivered by Sr Charita Tandelge and Nuska Sadurdeen, focusing on the story of Cain and Abel and highlighting the responsibility to care for one another. The participants also observed a moment of silence for victims of conflicts in the Middle East.

Church Support for Interfaith Efforts

In the book’s afterword, Bishop Jude Nishantha Silva, chairman of the interfaith dialogue commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka, emphasized that respecting people of other religions is central to authentic religious practice.

He described the book’s call for dialogue as an important contribution to contemporary society.

The program concluded with a joint iftar meal, the traditional breaking of the fast during Ramadan, shared by priests, nuns, Muslim scholars, and lay participants.