| President
Mahinda Rajapaksa in his Sinhala and Tamil New Year
Message says that people expect their leaders to observe
New Year traditions together with them rather than holidaying
away from them. His message includes a call "for
all to come together to observe the New Year traditions,
irrespective of all differences."
The Message in full:
"May the Sinhala and Tamil New
Year that dawns today be peaceful and happy.
"It is my belief that a green
environment and a cordial society are pre-requisites
for a meaningful Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
"We feel the spirit of the New
Year with the rejuvenation of the flora all round. The
more one recedes from the natural environment and our
flora, the spirit of the New Year is distanced from
us. Hence, the best way to make the New Year meaningful
is to create a country where agriculture flourishes
and is in harmony with nature.
"The observance of New Year
traditions and rituals leads to the unity of the nation.
The mutual bonds that bring children and parents together
during this festive season enhance the trust and cohesion
of the nation. I am aware that people expect their leaders
to observe these traditions together with them during
the New Year season, rather than holidaying away from
them. That is why we should all come together to observe
the New Year traditions, irrespective of all differences.
"I appeal to all to observe
the New Year free of alcohol and drugs. It is necessary
to safeguard the New Year joy of our women and children.
Hence, it is my belief that the best sacrifice we could
make on behalf of the future generations is to spend
the New Year free of intoxication, which even led to
the loss of national freedom.
"During this New Year season
we should also be grateful to all who serve at their
posts away from their homes, especially members of the
Security Forces and the Police who are defending the
country.
"I wish for a future generation
that is free, abstains from intoxicants, refrains from
vice and enjoys the abundance of harvests, reaped through
timely rains received with the blessings of all deities."
Mahinda Rajapaksa
April 11, 2007
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