President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga in her Thai Pongal message to the Hindu faithful in Sri Lanka offered her heartfelt greetings and stated that the Government has laid a solid foundation for peace.

The full text of her message is as follows:

     I offer my heartfelt greetings for the Thai Pongal festival, hallowed by adherents of the Hindu faith, worldwide which is the harbinger of new hopes for humanity, ushering in prosperity, good fortune and happiness. It is the path of peaceful co-existence that the Thai Pongal festival signifies. The message of amity amongst all Sri Lankans for genuine peace, which we all seek today, has been thereby highlighted to us on this occasion.
Our government has laid a solid foundation for peace amidst the impediments of inimical forces to achieve that noble objective based on peace and prosperity.

     If we are to be victorious in achieving that noble objective we should all get together with true dedication and the honest co-operation. Let us make this the occasion to make that resolve.
I fervently hope and wish that the hopes and aspirations of adherents of the Hindu faith who display the traditional qualities of strength and dedication will be fulfilled during this festive season. May you all enjoy Thai Pongal blessed with good fortune.

Contact Information: Send mail to webmaster@priu.gov.lk with questions or comments about this web site. Last modified: September 25, 2003.