May the light of goodwill and peace of Deepavali lead our people to the joy of enlightened harmony, stated President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a message for Deepavali.

Celebrated by Hindus the world over, Deepavali is a celebration of the spiritual richness of people as it marks the progress that humans have made in the constant struggle for a better life in keeping with the great spiritual values of Hinduism, the President added.

Following is the full message:

The significance of Deepavali, known as the Festival of Light, is the expression of the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

Celebrated by Hindus the world over, Deepavali is a celebration of the spiritual richness of people as it marks the progress that humans have made in the constant struggle for a better life in keeping with the great spiritual values of Hinduism.

With peace restored in the country, Hindus can now celebrate this festival with freedom and in the spirit of unity that is marked by the increased harmony and understanding among communities irrespective of ethnic, religious and other differences that have kept them apart for a long period.

Sri Lanka is now at the beginning of a new era of development and prosperity where the suffering faced by all our people due to terrorism is over. Hindus can now join with their fellow believers the world over in the joyous spirit of Deepavali, sharing the spirit of the festival with other communities and looking forward to living in harmony in the comfort and tranquility of peace.

May the light of goodwill and peace of Deepavali lead our people to the joy of enlightened harmony. I wish all Hindu devotees a happy and peaceful Deepavali.