April 14, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his Sinhala and Tamil New Year address, delivered a heartfelt appeal to the people of Sri Lanka, urging all communities to unite with renewed resolve, harmony, and compassion to guide the country forward through a period of transformation and rebuilding.
Describing the New Year as a profound moment of spiritual and practical renewal, the President invited citizens to embrace the season’s ethos of fresh beginnings and recommit themselves to the collective ambition of forging “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life”. He noted that this annual cultural milestone provides more than a festive reprieve; it serves as a symbolic occasion to reflect on national unity, shared heritage, and the values that underpin a just and equitable society.
Reflecting on the country’s recent trajectory under the leadership of the National People’s Power (NPP), the President acknowledged the strides made in addressing economic instability, social fragmentation, and systemic political dysfunction. He expressed appreciation for the public’s enduring faith and participation in the democratic process, pointing to the recent presidential and parliamentary elections as a turning point shaped by popular will.
“It is with immense gratitude that I reflect on the resilience and strength shown by the people, who chose to stand with a new vision for Sri Lanka. The progress achieved belongs not to a single party or office, but to each citizen who dared to believe in a better future,” he said.
The President also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strategic governance and its readiness to confront the evolving domestic and global challenges that lie ahead. Emphasising the importance of unity in the face of adversity, he promised that national policies would remain people-centred, accountable, and inclusive.
In a broader reflection, President Dissanayake underscored the New Year’s cultural significance as a bridge between communities and a celebration of Sri Lanka’s pluralism. He highlighted that the customs observed during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year symbolise a deep reverence for nature and mutual respect between diverse ethnic and religious groups.
“These age-old traditions offer more than seasonal joy—they are testament to the harmonious coexistence between people and the environment, and between communities themselves. They remind us of a shared past and the ethical values that can guide our collective future,” he remarked.
Concluding his address, the President called upon citizens across the country to engage in the New Year not merely as spectators of tradition, but as active participants in shaping a better, more united Sri Lanka.
“As we begin this new chapter, I invite each of you to stand together with renewed purpose and unwavering goodwill. Let this be a year of togetherness, of sustained progress, and of hope fulfilled—for every Sri Lankan, wherever they may be.”
Full Statement:
“As we celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year this year, a festival that symbolises the hope of both physical and spiritual renewal, our nation finds itself at a defining moment, achieving significant victories while resolutely striving towards the realisation of a better and more prosperous future.
It is with profound joy and gratitude that I reflect upon the efforts undertaken by the National People’s Power government over the past months to lift our nation from adversity and steer it towards economic, social and political advancement. The successes we have thus far achieved rightfully belong to the people of this country, whose steadfast trust, as expressed in the most recent Presidential and General Elections, has been the driving force behind this transformative journey.
As a responsible government, we possess the strength and determination to further deepen our commitment to the nation, even amidst formidable challenges. We are implementing well-considered plans to address the multifaceted challenges confronting our country, both in terms of national development and within the broader geopolitical landscape.
The Sinhala and Tamil New Year traditions beautifully reflect the harmony between humanity and nature, bearing witness to the deep-rooted history of coexistence between our Sinhala and Tamil communities. While contemporary society may be burdened by various divisions, occasions such as the New Year provide a timely reminder of the enduring values of unity, harmony and peaceful coexistence. It is our solemn responsibility, particularly at this time of renewal, to nurture those values within ourselves and to foster a more compassionate and ethical society.
Moreover, the rituals associated with the sun’s transition are underpinned by the universal aspiration to create a renewed individual, one free from outdated thoughts and attitudes. The New Year, therefore, offers us an invaluable opportunity to embrace renewal in our own lives.
As we welcome this New Year, I call upon all of you to come together with renewed strength, unity and goodwill. Let us collectively work towards a common purpose, supporting the government’s vision for economic, social and political transformation and thereby ensuring enduring progress and prosperity for our country and all its people.
May this New Year bring you and your loved ones peace, happiness, renewed hope and abundant prosperity in your journey towards ‘A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life”.
Warmest wishes for a Happy Sinhala and Tamil New Year!”
