April 14, Colombo (LNW): In a message marking the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called on the nation to embrace both personal renewal and collective progress, describing the festival as the most significant cultural observance in Sri Lanka.
He reflected on the enduring importance of New Year traditions, noting that families and communities continue to follow time-honoured rituals and religious practices in unison, guided by auspicious timings. According to the President, these shared customs not only preserve heritage but also present a distinct cultural identity to the wider world.
Emphasising the link between tradition and progress, he stated that the country’s path to development should remain rooted in its historical and cultural foundations. He suggested that sustainable growth can only be achieved by respecting long-standing values while adapting to modern challenges.
The President further observed that New Year practices encourage kindness, mutual respect, and a spirit of togetherness, as well as a closer relationship with the natural environment. He urged citizens to carry these principles beyond the festive season and incorporate them into everyday life.
Addressing recent hardships, he acknowledged the resilience shown by the public in overcoming natural disasters and external pressures, including ongoing global uncertainties. He assured that the Government is taking steps to manage these challenges and safeguard the country’s stability.
Concluding his message, President Dissanayake appealed for greater unity and cooperation among all Sri Lankans, encouraging the nation to move forward with purpose towards a future he described as “a thriving nation and a better quality of life for all,” while extending his heartfelt New Year greetings.
Full Message:
‘‘The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, which symbolises the aspiration for renewal both physically and spiritually, is the foremost cultural festival of the people of this country.
During the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, traditional customs are upheld, with priority accorded to rituals and religious observances, and activities undertaken collectively at a common auspicious time. This shared cultural practice vividly reflects our nation’s identity before the world, as well as the strong socio-cultural bonds that exist among our communities.
We firmly believe that the future path of national development can only be shaped in harmony with this invaluable culture and our distinguished historical heritage. Accordingly, it must be recalled that all our future development plans have been formulated upon the firm foundation of these precious traditions and cultural values.
Moreover, the common aspiration embodied in the customs and rituals associated with the solar transition is the nurturing of a compassionate individual who values togetherness, respects others, and lives in harmony with nature. I believe that the virtues and values of unity reflected in these New Year traditions should not be confined to these few days alone, but should instead be demonstrated throughout the year in our daily conduct.
In the face of the most significant recent natural disaster challenge encountered in the past year, we demonstrated to the world our resilience and capacity to withstand internal shocks. At the same time, in responding to the external challenges arising from the conflict in the Middle East, the Government has already set in motion a well-planned and effectively managed programme to overcome these difficulties.
As a nation, in overcoming these challenges together, I call upon all of you to further dedicate yourselves to enriching your lives through the values of togetherness, sharing, and solidarity exemplified during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season.
As we strengthen the achievements we have secured and move forward with unwavering resolve in the face of emerging challenges, I invite everyone to join hands in unity to realise the vision of ‘‘A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life’’ for all.
I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!’’