The Easter festival has special significance to the Christians of Sri Lanka this year with the new promise of revival and reconciliation, following the defeat of terrorism that kept our people in fear and apart for decades, stated President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his message for Easter.

Easter is celebrated today in the midst of Peace and understanding among all communities to whom Sri Lanka is home, the President added.

He further stated that the many Christian shrines that were not opened to worship for long by the forces of terror, will be centres of worship and thanksgiving on this important festival.


Following is the full text of the message:


The celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his crucifixion and death is the significance of Easter, the most important festival in the Christian calendar.

In the Christian faith it marks the recognition of Christ's conquest of death, bringing the spirit of renewal and revival, and hope to the human race.

Easter is celebrated by Christians the world over with their focus on the deeper meaning of understanding, tolerance and compassion that are reflected in the overwhelming spirit of love that is at the core Christian teaching.

The Easter festival has special significance to the Christians of Sri Lanka this year with the new promise of revival and reconciliation, following the defeat of terrorism that kept our people in fear and apart for decades. Easter is celebrated today in the midst of Peace and understanding among all communities to whom Sri Lanka is home. Also, the many Christian shrines that were not opened to worship for long by the forces of terror, will be centres of worship and thanksgiving on this important festival.

The festival of Easter also reminds Christians that the spirit of love taught by Christ should prevail not only among people but also extend to all other living beings that share this earth, as well as to the gifts of nature that we have been blessed with.

I wish all Christians of Sri Lanka a happy and peaceful Easter full of love and understanding, strengthened by their belief in the divinity of the Risen Christ.