Sri Lankan president urges unity on national New Year

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena said that important strides are being taken to realize the need for unity among all people, as the nation celebrated its national New Year on Tuesday.

In his message to mark the traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Sirisena said that by giving prominence to religious and cultural traditions, and the best social values, in the New Year celebrations, Sri Lankans show their recognition of the age-old humane values that enrich their lives to this day.

He noted that what stands out is the coming together in unity and peace, amidst the spirit of sharing and goodwill to all.

"What is special in this New Year celebration is the spread of festivity amidst the commitment to good governance that transcends differences of ethnicity, caste and community, with important strides being taken to realize the need for unity among all our people."

"This is a time to realize that throughout history our strength as a nation has come from the mutual understanding and co- existence that made us rise together to defend our Motherland. Similarly, the unity that prevails without communal divisions in the celebration of this New Year, participating in traditions such as the coming together of families and visiting of relatives helps strengthen peace and unity among all," he said.

The President said that at a time well directed action is being taken with singular mind and purpose by all to take Sri Lanka toward prosperity, the national cultural festival provides a great opportunity to reach that goal.