Sri Lanka, Feb. 18 -- Several Arab and Islamic countries will welcome the holy month of Ramadan today, while others will start fasting a day later.

Saudi Arabia said that the new moon of Ramadan was sighted last evening and that fasting will start today.

Religious authorities in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Palestine, Sudan, Somalia and Djibiouti said Wednesday will be the first day of Ramadan.

Iraq's Sunni Endowment Diwan also announced that Ramadan will be observed on Wednesday. Iraqi Shiites will also celebrate the start of the fasting month on Wednesday.

Yemen's Houthi group also said that Ramadan fasting will start in areas under its control on Wednesday.

Ramadan will also start for Sunni Muslims in Lebanon ...