Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, in her Deepavali message, has stated that the festival symbolizes “the light over darkness and good over evil,” while providing an opportunity to dispel hatred, jealousy and ignorance and embrace wisdom and compassion.

She further emphasized that Deepavali offers an opportunity to strengthen mutual understanding, harmony and solidarity among Sri Lanka’s diverse communities, urging everyone to move forward as one nation beyond ethnic and religious differences.

She also extended her wishes for happiness, peace, good health and prosperity to all Hindu devotees.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya’s full Deepavali message:

“Deepavali, which symbolizes the light over darkness and good over evil, is a festival imbued with spiritual purity.

Just as the lighting of oil lamps illuminates our homes, this sacred occasion offers us a valuable opportunity to dispel the darkness of hatred, jealousy and ignorance within our hearts, and to kindle the lamps of wisdom and compassion.

I believe that, in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country such as Sri Lanka, Deepavali provides a significant opportunity to further strengthen mutual understanding, harmony and solidarity among our communities.

As we celebrate this festival, we must resolve to strengthen our cultural bonds and move forward as one nation,transcending all ethnic and religious differences.

I wish all Hindu devotees in Sri Lanka and across the world a Deepavali filled with happiness, peace, good health and prosperity!”