In New Year wishes, political leaders stress on reconciliation

President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan have sent New Year wishes to fellow Sri Lankans.

New Year of peaceful coexistence and social reconciliation: President

The President, in his message said, the Sinhala and Tamil New year showcases the traditional riches of the east and is intended to bring about peaceful coexistence and social reconciliation.

He also said that, the New Year is a time during which people renew their ties to nature and renew family bonds. He wished all Lankans a new year filled with peace and prosperity.

Joyful New Year that inspires commitment to sustained peace and prosperity: PM

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the Sinhala and Tamil New Year is the foremost national festivity celebrated across the country, and provides the ideal setting to deepen relationships with one another and share our rich cultural heritage.

“This New Year we will celebrate with our traditional customs to convey their importance to the next generation. This will ensure future generations are proud of our traditions and our nation,” the Prime Minister said, while wishing all Sri Lankans a joyful Sinhala and Tamil New Year that inspires commitment to achieve sustained peace and prosperity.

New Year of fair wishes that enlivens good customs and practices: Speaker

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya in his message said, the New Year unites all Sri Lankans which strengthens the unity among them and generates a desire to live in harmony, respecting other cultures.

He also said that Sri Lankans who wish a prosperous future for the country, hope to see the President, Prime Minister and all parties of the government working together, with mutual respect and understanding to bring about a sta- ble and strong government.

The Speaker wished all citizens a prosperous new year that fulfills all their fair wishes and enlivens good customs and practices.

New Year of people's rights to live with dignity, self-respect and self-esteem: Opposition Leader

Opposition Leader Sampanthan sent his heartiest wishes to the Tamil and Sinhala people of the country on the special day of Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

“My prayer is that, in this New Year, we will be able to overcome all the obstacles and challenges in framing a new Constitution, which paves the way to achieve a lasting solution to the national question and gives the rights to the people to live with dignity, self-respect and self-esteem,” said Mr Sampanthan.

He called on all people to work together to bring true peace, better understanding, ethnic harmony and genuine reconciliation among our people.