Thai Pongal Day Message of the President
[January 14, 2005 - 06.20 GMT]

Thai Pongal would not be the same this year in our region in the wake of the greatest natural disaster in living memory. We have all realized we were never as safe as we thought we were. Nature has proved to be a great leveler; I know we can come out this quagmire if we work as a united people. I am confident and expect us to come out of this crisis better than ever before. Hindus today celebrate the harvest festival an event which creates new hopes and aspirations, let us join our Hindu brethren and pray for prosperity and happiness.

Nature has manifestly taught us an enormous lesson; it has taught us the insignificance of man made borders, disunity and rivalry in this land we call home. During this year’s Thai Pongal let us resolve put an end to the ethnic conflict and unite to rebuild our nation. I wish all Hindu celebrants happiness and prosperity.

Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga

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Last Updated Date: January 14, 2005 - 06.20 GMT