It is comforting that this New Year has dawned at a time when the nation is conscious of its dignity says President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a Sinhala and Tamil New Year Message. It is also most fortunate to see the people of the East enjoying the New Year happily with their families, he further adds. 

The message in full: 

We warmly welcome the Sinhala and Tamil New Year which brings unity and prosperity. 

We know that agriculture and the abundance it creates gave birth to the New Year. A major activity of our Government during the period that lapsed was devoted to ensure the prosperity of the land through the empowerment of agriculture. We know that the nation has reaped its excellent achievements. Hence, it is comforting that this New Year has dawned at a time when the nation is conscious of its dignity. 

It is also most fortunate to see the people of the East enjoying the New Year happily with their families. It is my conviction that nation would be strengthened by engaging in New Year traditions and customs as one nation. 

The unity and fraternity generated by observing the New Year according to tradition and customs is a fillip to the country’s prosperity. I hope everybody would unite to observe the New Year in the traditional way. I appeal to alt to set an example to our future generations by refraining from taking intoxicants.  

We express our gratitude to members of the armed forces and the police as well as others who are on duty during the New Year season to ensure security and other services to the people. 

I wish you all a happy New Year.  

Mahinda Rajapaksa