Deepawali- the festival of light
[October 23, 2003 - 7.15 GMT]

Tomorrow is Deepawali. It is celebrated by Hindus world over with one sprit, for it signifies the renewal of life. The lighting of lamps is a way of paying obeisance to God for attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace and fame and it also signifies goodness. Deepawali also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year.

In her Deepawali Day message President Chandrika Kumaratunga said, “We should on this great day contemplate on how to dispel injustice and inequality and achieve peace and mutual trust among our communities.”

[Full message]

The President’s Deepawali Message

Deepawali is the most widely celebrated of all Hindu festivals. It is a festival of lights, symbolizing the victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness. Deepawali shows that light and goodwill, always triumph over evil and darkness.

Hinduism is one of the two main religions of this country. Buddhism and this great religion have co-existed for centuries in our land. Our people have learnt to maintain and respect the core values, philosophies and cultures, unique to each religion. This is the basis for co-existence and national integration. 

We should on this great day contemplate on how to dispel injustice and inequality and achieve peace and mutual trust among our communities.  

I wish all our Sri Lankan Hindus a Happy Deepawali!

Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga
October 24, 2003

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Last Updated Date: October 23, 2003  -7.15 GMT.