He made these observations in his welcome address on the occasion of the Deepavali celebrations held on 20th November 2011 at the High Commission premises.

He further said that he would like all Sri Lankans living in the United Kingdom to consider the High Commission as their home and said that its doors are open for all races and religions.

He reminisced about his visit to Jaffna when he was six years old with his parents. He recalled his vivid memories of visiting the Nallur Festival, Kayts, sand dunes and a moonlit picnic with fishermen. Referring to a recent visit he made to Jaffna earlier this year, he said that the investments made in Jaffna which will create employment opportunities for the youth. He invited the Diaspora to join the post-conflict development efforts and to invest and be partners of Sri Lanka’s Renaissance.

The event commenced with the lighting of traditional oil lamp. Hindu religious observances were conducted by Sivasri Ramanatha kurukkal who blessed President Mahinda Rajapaksa, all Sri Lankans, High Commissioner and the staff.

Miti Desai performed a traditional dance to entertain the gathering. At the end of the programme a reception was hosted with traditional food and sweets. The High Commission premises were decorated with flowers, rangoli and oil lamps. This event was attended by a large number of the expatriate Tamil Diaspora living in the UK.