President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called on all Sri Lankans to come together with renewed strength, unity, and goodwill to support the country’s transformation, in his Sinhala and Tamil New Year message released over the weekend.
Marking the dawn of the traditional New Year, the President emphasized that the celebration signifies both physical and spiritual renewal and presents an opportunity to recommit to the collective vision of “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life.”
Reflecting on the recent achievements of the National People’s Power (NPP) government, President Dissanayake expressed gratitude to the people for their trust and resilience.
“It is with profound joy and gratitude that I reflect upon the efforts undertaken by the National People’s Power government over the past months to lift our nation from adversity and steer it towards economic, social, and political advancement,” he said.
He noted that the victories achieved are a result of the people’s unwavering support, as demonstrated in the recent Presidential and General Elections.
“As a responsible government, we possess the strength and determination to further deepen our commitment to the nation, even amidst formidable challenges,” he added, reaffirming the government’s commitment to implementing well-planned strategies to navigate both national and geopolitical issues.
President Dissanayake also drew attention to the cultural and symbolic significance of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, highlighting its role in fostering harmony among communities and promoting coexistence with nature.
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year traditions beautifully reflect the harmony between humanity and nature, bearing witness to the deep-rooted history of coexistence between our Sinhala and Tamil communities,” he stated.
The President concluded his message with a heartfelt appeal for unity and collective action:
“As we welcome this New Year, I call upon all of you to come together with renewed strength, unity, and goodwill… ensuring enduring progress and prosperity for our country and all its people.”
The President’s message comes at a time when the nation continues to face economic and social challenges, with the government pledging continued efforts toward stability and inclusive growth.
President’s Full Message:
“As we celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year this year, a festival that symbolises the hope of both physical and spiritual renewal, our nation finds itself at a defining moment, achieving significant victories while resolutely striving towards the realisation of a better and more prosperous future.
It is with profound joy and gratitude that I reflect upon the efforts undertaken by the National People’s Power government over the past months to lift our nation from adversity and steer it towards economic, social and political advancement. The successes we have thus far achieved rightfully belong to the people of this country, whose steadfast trust, as expressed in the most recent Presidential and General Elections, has been the driving force behind this transformative journey.
As a responsible government, we possess the strength and determination to further deepen our commitment to the nation, even amidst formidable challenges. We are implementing well-considered plans to address the multifaceted challenges confronting our country, both in terms of national development and within the broader geopolitical landscape.
The Sinhala and Tamil New Year traditions beautifully reflect the harmony between humanity and nature, bearing witness to the deep-rooted history of coexistence between our Sinhala and Tamil communities. While contemporary society may be burdened by various divisions, occasions such as the New Year provide a timely reminder of the enduring values of unity, harmony and peaceful coexistence. It is our solemn responsibility, particularly at this time of renewal, to nurture those values within ourselves and to foster a more compassionate and ethical society.
Moreover, the rituals associated with the sun’s transition are underpinned by the universal aspiration to create a renewed individual, one free from outdated thoughts and attitudes. The New Year, therefore, offers us an invaluable opportunity to embrace renewal in our own lives.
As we welcome this New Year, I call upon all of you to come together with renewed strength, unity and goodwill. Let us collectively work towards a common purpose, supporting the government’s vision for economic, social and political transformation and thereby ensuring enduring progress and prosperity for our country and all its people.
May this New Year bring you and your loved ones peace, happiness, renewed hope and abundant prosperity in your journey towards ‘A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life”.
Warmest wishes for a Happy Sinhala and Tamil New Year!”