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Progress towards peace and harmony - President

On this Thai Pongal Day I wish all Tamil people of Sri Lanka prosperity and happiness.

Today you begin the harvest festival and ring in a New Year of warmth. All Tamils in Sri Lanka and indeed all the people of this country can be satisfied that the country has been without war for more than a year. The wish for peace, harmony and prosperity is universal. The Tamil people as with all others in Sri Lanka have a responsibility to ensure the continuity of our common heritage.

On this special day I wish to reaffirm that the Government of Sri Lanka remains committed to safeguarding the rights of its entire people. Basic human rights not only equate all citizens, but also override factors such as ethnicity and religion which at times are inequitable.

Even as we cherish and nurture our respective communities and cultures, we must strive to interact with each other and integrate into a common society where together we will progress as a nation towards peace, harmony and prosperity. For this we must shun violence, hatred and our own inhibitions and respect each other. Let me end by quoting from Thiruvaluvar's Thirukkural:

"The pure in heart will never hurt others even for wealth and renown." I wish you Peace and Happiness in the New Year.

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