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by Kelaniya group correspondent

This year's Sinhala and Hindu New year celebrations were held throughout the country including North and East after several years. That was due to the prevailing ceasefire between the Government and the LTTE. Thousands were killed on both sides due to this North-East war, thousands were deprived of their homes, and their kith and kin said the Minister of School Education, Suranimala Rajapakse who was the Chief Guest at the New Year festival organised by Samagi Welfare Society, Kajuhenawatte, Kadawata, held at Kajuhenawatte public grounds, on Monday.

The Minister further said: "When there is a war our children suffer the most. Many children have been deprived of even a basic education. In areas such as Vanni, Mullaitiv, Welioya and Seruwila schools have been damaged or destroyed. In a recent visit I observed this pathetic and tragical situation. There are only a few teachers, and little hope for the future. With a lasting peace our children can return to their classrooms once more. School lessons and examinations become a reality, as does hope for our future. The benefits of a lasting peace are countless, for you, for me, and especially for our children. At least this year we are coming together as a nation overcoming barriers of race and religion. The present Government led by the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has taken a bold and brave step to solve this unending war which prevailed for the past several years in this country."

He further said: :"We earnestly working towards a lasting solution and fervently united in our cause. The future looks bright as we look forward to the benefits only peace can bring." 

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