President and PM reiterate the need for Peace in the New Year
[January 1, 2002 - 9.45 GMT]

President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga in her New Year message states that the one and only wish of the people is a peaceful and prosperous country.

“Let us renew this sublime wish in the dawn of the New Year and act resolutely and with determination to fulfill this hope under whatever the challenges we have to face and sacrifices we have to make,” the message said.

The Presidential message further said,” The path of peace is not an easy one. It is hazardous and painful. We have to be convinced of this reality. What we want is not a type of peace, which is a defeat to one party or victory to other. A honourable peace is our aim.

In the case of achieving peace, remedies are essential not only to curb the obstacles but also the basic factors underlying the problems. The spirit of rancour, hatred and vengeance has to be totally abandoned. Let us be free from hurt and violence.

I wish everybody the requisite strength and courage to fulfill this aim and build up unity, peace and prosperity among the people to live as one Sri Lankan nation in this New Year”.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in his New Year message said, "We step into the New Year with lots of aspirations and hope. But the road to fulfill such aspirations and hopes is not showered with flowers. It is a difficult journey", states Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe in his New Year message.

He adds: "However, we will love to follow this part. What we have received today is not a bouquet of flowers but a thorny crown. So we are determined to tread on this difficult part and may flowers bloom on this thorny crown".

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Last Updated Date: January 1, 2002  - 9.45 GMT.