Positive vibes in CBK's New Year Message
[16 Apr 2001]

"I fervently believe that we can make use of this Sinhala and Tamil New Year to end the dreadful war which had destroyed peace and unity in our country," President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga said in a message to mark the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. 

"The customs and rituals performed by families getting together in each home during the New Year period symbolise the sovereignty of the country and the nation. We can see enmity and hatred fading away giving rise to unity. Through experience we know that this unity among families helps forge unity among villages and communities," President Kumaratunga said. 

The President's message: "I have great pleasure in extending my sincere greetings to all citizens of Sri Lanka on the occasion of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year the theme of which is happiness, peace unity and progress. 

The Sinhala and the Tamil communities celebrate the New Year in April. It is Sri Lanka's  National Festival. This can be described as the main National Festival held for generations devoid of any communal or religious differences among the Sinhala and Tamil people. 

I wish you all a happy Sinhala and Tamil New Year which will bring you peace, happiness and prosperity and the realisation of your cherished hopes and aspirations." 

Contact Information: Send mail to webmaster@priu.gov.lk with questions or comments about this web site. Last modified: December 19, 2003.