The year dawning today will see valuable work for the progress of democracy, equality among people and important aspects of development in our Motherland, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said.
 
"It is my belief that all communities will join in unity with the common purpose of success towards realizing these goals," he said in a New Year message.

We step into this New Year as a country that has gained immense progress in freedom, democracy and the tasks of development, and one that has successfully faced up to many challenges before it.

Similarly, we move into this New Year as a country that has won the confidence of people both at home and abroad. Therefore, the year dawning today will see valuable work for the progress of democracy, equality among people and important aspects of development in our Motherland. It is my belief that all communities will join in unity with the common purpose of success towards realizing these goals.

The achievement of success in all the tasks before us with determination, commitment and courage is my wish for our Motherland in the Year 2013.