President Gotabaya Rajapaksa says it is his hope and expectation that all citizens, without any discrimination, will join the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations with fresh hopes, determination, tender and righteous thoughts.

“To welcome the dawn of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year with fresh hopes and renewed determination to materialize them is a valuable tradition deeply rooted in our culture,” President Rajapaksa said in his message for Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

He recalled that the adverse health conditions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic prevented the Sri Lankans from celebrating last year’s Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

“This year all of us together have made it possible to enjoy the New Year festivities, duly observing the age-old customs and traditions while adhering to health guidelines,” he stated, adding that it is a fulfilment of the hopes of young children who look forward to the New Year, with excitement, as well as all other citizens.

“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is our principal cultural festival. We have a strong belief that the prosperity of the coming year will be the result of all our citizens performing the rituals at the same auspicious time,” President Rajapaksa said further.

The cheerfulness of the adults is reflected through their children who are delighted with their new clothes, sweets and games for the New Year, he remarked. “In addition, the pleasant changes in the environment bring us physical and emotional bliss.”

It is also a noble attribute of the New Year season that adults who struggle in life with complexities, settle grudges and animosities and reconcile with each other, the President added.

Further, he commended the commitment and sacrifice of all those who are engaged in essential services and who are employed overseas and unable to be with their families during this season of New Year.

“May the dawn of Sinhala and Tamil New Year bring happiness, good health and prosperity to all.”