12.4.2008
We
warmly welcome the Sinhala and Tamil New Year which brings
unity and prosperity.
HE
the President Mahinda Rajapaksa We know that agriculture
and the abundance it creates gave birth to the New Year.
The Government has during the period that has elapsed
devoted much to ensure the prosperity of the land through
the empowerment of agriculture. We know that the nation
has reaped a harvest of excellent achievements. Hence,
it is comforting that this New Year has dawned at a time
when the nation is conscious of its dignity.
It
is also most fortunate to see the people of the East,
who were oppressed by terrorism for over two decades,
enjoying the New Year happily with their families. It
is my conviction that we would be strengthened by engaging
in New Year traditions and customs as one nation.
The
unity and fraternity generated by celebrating the New
Year according to tradition and customs is a fillip to
the country's prosperity. I hope everybody would unite
to observe the New Year in the traditional way. I appeal
to all to set an example to our future generations by
abstaining from talking intoxicants during the festive
season.
We
express our gratitude to members of the armed forces and
the police as well as to others who are in duty during
the New Year season to ensure security and other service
to the people.
I
wish you all a happy New Year.