Wednesday, April 13, 2005

Get together to rebuild the Nation: Prime Minister of Sri Lanka

Let all of us get together regardless of race, colour, religion or and other political or social affinity and evolve a phoenix rise to rebuild the Nation, said Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse in a message to mark the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

The message: "The Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival, based on the transition of the sun symbolises the Sinhala-Buddhist and Hindu-Tamil solidarity and prosperity.

Ironically it dawns close upon the heels of the tsunami crisis which gripped the nation in sorrow. No doubt it is the worst calamity ever to have experienced by us, and one may feel that the prevailing environment is not compatible for such festivities.

However we cannot afford to overlook our common traditions and ethics of yore. Under any such situation as they tend to promote the much needed amity and solidarity through a climate of friendship among our neighbours, particularly between the two communities, Sinhala and Tamil.

We are a nation galvanised to face vicissitudes of nature. I am of strong opinion that this event will be a welcoming fillip to enhance the mutual friendship on our march to promote a lasting peace.

No doubt that 'tomorrow' will be a brighter day for all of us, who inherit a dignified common culture.

So, on this New Year day let all of us get together regardless of race, colour, religion or any other political or social affinity and evolve a phoenix rise to rebuild the nation.

Wish you all Sri Lankans a happy New Year!"