Leaders should be with people for New Year  [Thursday, April 12, 2007 - 7.05 GMT] 

President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his Sinhala and Tamil New Year Message says that people expect their leaders to observe New Year traditions together with them rather than holidaying away from them. His message includes a call "for all to come together to observe the New Year traditions, irrespective of all differences."

The Message in full:

"May the Sinhala and Tamil New Year that dawns today be peaceful and happy.

"It is my belief that a green environment and a cordial society are pre-requisites for a meaningful Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

"We feel the spirit of the New Year with the rejuvenation of the flora all round. The more one recedes from the natural environment and our flora, the
spirit of the New Year is distanced from us. Hence, the best way to make the New Year meaningful is to create a country where agriculture flourishes and is in harmony with nature.

"The observance of New Year traditions and rituals leads to the unity of the nation. The mutual bonds that bring children and parents together during this festive season enhance the trust and cohesion of the nation. I am aware that people expect their leaders to observe these traditions together with them during the New Year season, rather than holidaying away from them. That is why we should all come together to observe the New Year traditions, irrespective of all differences.

"I appeal to all to observe the New Year free of alcohol and drugs. It is necessary to safeguard the New Year joy of our women and children. Hence, it is my belief that the best sacrifice we could make on behalf of the future generations is to spend the New Year free of intoxication, which even led to the loss of national freedom.

"During this New Year season we should also be grateful to all who serve at their posts away from their homes, especially members of the Security Forces and the Police who are defending the country.

"I wish for a future generation that is free, abstains from intoxicants, refrains from vice and enjoys the abundance of harvests, reaped through timely rains received with the blessings of all deities."
 

Mahinda Rajapaksa

April 11, 2007

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Last Updated Date: April 12, 2007 - 7.05 GMT