We warmly welcome the Sinhala and Tamil New Year which brings unity and prosperity, states President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a New Year message. The message adds: "We know that agriculture and the abundance of it gives birth to the New Year.

A major activity of our Government during the period that elapsed was devoted to ensure the prosperity of the land through the empowerment of agriculture.

We know that the nation has reaped its 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 taking 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 on duty during the New Year season to ensure security and other services to the people. I wish you all a happy New Year."

(Courtesy : Ministry of Defence)