The widespread celebrations of Thai Pongal in all parts of Sri Lanka emphasize the plurality of our society as Hindus freely demonstrate their ties to a rich cultural heritage.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa made this statement in his Thai Pongal message.

I am glad that on this Thai Pongal day our Hindus can, in addition to their expectations for the future, also give thanks for the peace that has been won and their participation in the building of a new future for their own children and all of Sri Lanka, the President further stated.

Following is the full text of the message:


As Sri Lanka's Hindus join their fellow religionists the world over to celebrate Thai Pongal, the most popular of the Hindu festivals of Sri Lanka, today, they have even more reason for joy as they enjoy the freedom denied to most of them for nearly three decades.

Thai Pongal is important in the Hindu calendar as the hallowed festival of the Sun. It is twice hallowed as a harbinger of good harvest and as a harvest festival that celebrates the rewards of hard work reaped by farmers in the field.

The widespread celebrations of Thai Pongal in all parts of Sri Lanka emphasize the plurality of our society as Hindus freely demonstrate their ties to a rich cultural heritage. The festivities highlight the spirit of revival and rededication looking to the future with great hope and expectations of peace, harmony and understanding in our society.

I am glad that on this Thai Pongal day our Hindus can, in addition to their expectations for the future, also give thanks for the peace that has been won and their participation in the building of a new future for their own children and all of Sri Lanka.

I wish the Hindus of Sri Lanka a Happy Thai Pongal and join them in their prayers for a lasting peace and a future of prosperity, with abundant trust and understanding among all people in our Motherland.