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In a Sinhala and Tamil New Year message, President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, says that the highest priority in the New Year is the ending of terrorism and laying the foundation for a true democracy in the country. The full text of her message is as follows: I extend my heartfelt and warmest good wishes to all Sri Lankans on this occasion of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year which celebrates what is best in the traditional values and highest social qualities inherent among our peoples throughout centuries past. The Sinhala and Tamil New Year helps remind the peoples of all communities to whom Sri Lanka is home of our rich cultural heritage and much valued traditions. By this means the New Year celebrations help bring about a re-awakening in our lives and those of our children, through the values of joy in sharing peace and understanding, unity, prosperity and co-existence that mark the core of our culture. This traditional New Year dawns in this first year of the new millenium at a time when our country and people are at the most decisive crossroads in our history. What should absorb all our efforts and receive our highest priority in the New Year is the definite ending of the terrorism that has engulfed our country and society in two decades of the worst tragedy our people have seen. To achieve this all important goal it is necessary to set aside all that divides us as a people, not be diverted by the constant debates and other forces and actions that tend to separate us and instead join together with the singular commitment to overcome the forces of terrorism. It is our undisputed conviction that the achievement of this great goal of enthroning what is just and good is only possible by making the hopes, aspirations and expectations of all our people more realistic and meaningful by laying the foundation for a true and genuine democracy in our country. Our government fully aware of this and having accepted this greatest of responsibilities placed on it by the majority of the people of this country, is for the first time in our history engaged in talks with the main opposition party on this pressing issue. I believe that the wish of all Sri Lankans on the occasion of this New Year should be that these negotiations bear fruit and help bring peace closer to us all. In this effort it is our fervent wish that we will receive the unstinted support and blessings of all our people irrespective of community, religion or political difference. On this Sinhala and Tamil New Year, let us all make a firm resolution to strengthen and develop thinking and action that will lead us to a new dawn, fresh with the rays of hope for a peaceful land. I wish you all a New Year full of
joy and good fortune that will bring peace to our land.
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