November 08, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has conveyed his Deepavali greetings to the Hindu community, describing the annual festival as a reminder of the enduring victory of righteousness over evil and light over darkness.
In his message, the President underscored the importance of embracing the values associated with Deepavali, particularly kindness, mutual respect, compassion and solidarity among communities.
He also reiterated the Government’s determination to create a society in which people of all religious and cultural backgrounds are treated equally, with their identities respected and their rights and dignity safeguarded.
Expressing optimism about the country’s future, Dissanayake said he hoped Sri Lanka’s aspiration to emerge as an ‘Island of Peace and Humanity’ would continue to gain momentum.
He concluded by extending his wishes for a happy, peaceful and prosperous Deepavali to Hindu devotees across the country.
Full Statement:
“It is with great pleasure that I extend my warm greetings on the occasion of Deepavali, one of the most sacred religious festivals of the Hindu community, which symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
Commemorating the victory of Lord Krishna, over the demon Narakasura, Hindus engage in religious observances with the hope that, just as righteousness triumphed over unrighteousness, darkness will be dispelled from every heart and the light of goodness will prevail.
The true meaning of Deepavali extends beyond illuminating homes with the light of oil lamps. It lies in kindling the light of love, compassion, brotherhood and humanity in the hearts of people. Deepavali therefore provides a valuable opportunity to renew our resolve to build a better, more just and compassionate society by choosing kindness over hatred, coexistence over division, and justice over injustice.
We remain firmly committed to the great responsibility of transforming every sphere of society, the economy and politics, and building a nation that respects all religious and cultural identities and treats everyone with equality and dignity.
I hope that the path we are collectively pursuing towards building Sri Lanka as an Island of Peace and Humanity, which grows stronger economically and socially and stands with dignity before the world, will be further illuminated by the lamps lit this Deepavali.
I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Hindu devotees in Sri Lanka and across the world for a peaceful, joyful and prosperous Deepavali.”