Messages of hope and peace
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in his Christmas message said, the spirit of Christmas is shared universally and it is a time to spread the goodwill, love and joy the birth of Christ brings.
The message said: Born in a manger to parents from a humble background, Jesus Christ brought equality, compassion and fellowship to mankind. He chose to set the captives free from social injustice and their mental, physical and spiritual burdens.
Today, we live in a society that seeks freedom from tyranny and injustice, stigma and prejudice. One in which people will be free from religious and ethnic strife, able to live together in harmony and a spirit of tolerance.
The Holy Bible tells us that good trees bear good fruit; an outpouring of goodness in our hearts can help us find the good in others.
Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan in his Christmas greeting message said: "Two thousand years ago the birth of Jesus Christ brought hope and peace to the people. The events of Christmas remind us of the humility, sacrifice, love and care that Jesus Christ demonstrated. Jesus Christ's teachings on love, compassion, caring for others, truth, justice and equality remain relevant to every society, and will remain so forever.
“May the light of Christmas renew hope and establish peace in the lives of people bereft of hope in this Island. Let us use this Christmas to show our solidarity with the less fortunate brothers and sisters of our country."
Christian Affairs Minister John Amaratunga in his Christmas message said: “The intention of the true Christian is to celebrate Christmas by highlighting the humanity, love and kindness of Jesus. Christmas encourages us to become loving citizens by achieving the true spirit of Christianity.
“The aim of our government is to give equal opportunities to those who celebrate Christmas whether in a mansion or in a poor cottage."