A Day of Unity, Culture & Celebration with SLMS-UK

What a truly special afternoon it was at the 5th Annual Grand Get-Together, hosted by the Sri Lankan Muslim Society – United Kingdom (SLMS-UK) at the Leicester Racecourse.
It was an honour to attend as a guest alongside esteemed dignitaries including Shivani Raja MP (Leicester East), Shockat Adam MP (Leicester South), Cllr Samia Haq (Leader of Oadby & Wigston Borough Council), as well as respected Imams, local councillors, and community leaders.

We were especially privileged to welcome Hon. Mrs. Manorie Mallikaratchy, the Acting High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in the UK, as our Chief Guest—bringing added prestige to an already distinguished gathering.

The event brought families together in a vibrant atmosphere filled with delicious Sri Lankan cuisine, children enjoying open green spaces, and meaningful cultural showcases. A highlight was the thought-provoking documentary on the Muslim contribution to Sri Lankan public life, business, and culture, which reminded us of the long-standing legacy and integration of Muslims in Sri Lanka’s national story.

It was heart warming to see how SLMS-UK continues to serve as a vital link between generations—celebrating identity while promoting unity, and nurturing pride in heritage alongside a commitment to wider British society.

The Federation of Muslim Organisations (FMO) was proud to be part of this uplifting occasion. As an umbrella body representing Muslims from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, we believe deeply in the power of shared stories and lived experiences. We encourage all our affiliates to engage in opportunities like this—where voices are heard, values are explored, and connections are made.

By understanding our common values and celebrating our diversity, we take meaningful steps toward becoming one unified community, enriched by our differences and bound together by mutual respect and shared purpose.

A heartfelt thank you to SLMS-UK for their dedication, hard work, and vision in organising such a successful and memorable event. May it continue to grow year after year, inspiring many more to come together in unity, pride, and community spirit.

Najeeb Patel
Chair FMO Leicester & Leicestershire.