January 14, Colombo (LNW): In her message for Thai Pongal, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya underscored the deep significance of the festival in fostering gratitude, particularly towards nature, and highlighted its role in reinforcing the vital connection between humanity and the environment.
The Prime Minister described Thai Pongal as a time of reflection, where people come together to offer thanks to nature, especially the Sun God, for providing the essential energy that sustains agricultural activities throughout the year.
“This festival is an expression of gratitude for the vital role nature plays, particularly the Sun, which nourishes our crops and powers the cycle of sowing and harvest,” she stated in her message.
She further emphasised the deep interdependence between humanity and the natural world, stressing that it is only by recognising nature’s contributions that society can truly progress.
“We are, in essence, creations of nature. Our progress and well-being are inextricably linked to the environment around us. It is a basic human instinct to acknowledge and give thanks for the blessings nature bestows upon us,” the Prime Minister added.
With Sri Lanka currently grappling with significant challenges on multiple fronts, Prime Minister Amarasuriya pointed out that the country has a critical responsibility to embrace renewal in both attitude and action. She called for substantial structural and policy changes that recognise the importance of sustainability and respect for nature.
“At this crucial juncture, we must focus on transformative changes, not just in policies but also in our collective mindset. Acknowledging and respecting nature is key to this process of renewal,” she remarked.
Concluding her message, the Prime Minister extended her warmest wishes to the Tamil community in Sri Lanka and across the globe.
“To all those celebrating Thai Pongal, I offer my heartfelt greetings. May this joyous festival bring happiness, prosperity, and fulfilment to all,” she concluded.
Full Message:
“The Thai Pongal festival, celebrated annually by the Hindu community in January, embodies the noble values of appreciation and gratitude. This festival serves to express gratitude to nature, particularly to the Sun God, for providing the energy essential for agricultural activities from sowing to harvest.
As creations of nature, we cannot progress without acknowledging its role in our lives. It is a fundamental human quality to be grateful for the blessings we receive from nature. Sri Lanka stands at a critical juncture, with the significant responsibility of steering the nation toward a period of renewal.
This requires structural, policy, and attitudinal changes. The government has undertaken this important process and is committed to transformative change. Acknowladge and repect nature is an important aspect of the transformation we are searching.
I warmly greet all Tamil people in Sri Lanka and worldwide who are celebrating Thai Pongal. May this festival bring joy and fulfillment to all.”
