Let's resolve to enhance peace endeavour

President in Deepavali message :

COLOMBO: Let us resolve to enhance our endeavour to bring lasting peace to our land so that people of all communities and faiths could live together in happiness and dignity and march forward to prosperity, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said in a message to mark Deepavali.

The President said: "It is with great pleasure that I greet all Hindus in our land on the occasion of Deepavali, the Festival of Lights - dispelling the darkness of sorrow and evil.

Deepavali signifies the victory of good over evil. On this day, Hindus light lamps to pay obeisance to God for the attainment of health, wealth, knowledge and peace. Its celebration by our Hindu brethren signifies the plurality of our society, where different cultures, values and philosophies have traditionally thrived.

Today our society is plagued by violence and hatred between communities, and tolerance so characteristic of Hinduism and other great religions has given way to animosity and conflict.

Celebrating Deepavali, let us resolve to enhance our endeavour to bring lasting peace to our land so that people of all communities and faiths could live together in happiness and dignity and march forward to prosperity. Let us all pray for peace in our land."

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake in his Deepavali message said terrorism in the North and the East is an obstacle for the people living there to enjoy Deepavali in its true spirit following the noble principles taught in Hinduism.

He said: "Deepavali is lamp lit for the purpose of dispelling the dark. The Deepavali feast symbolises eliminating hatred, jealousy and rivalry. It is a pleasure to see that Hindus living all over the world celebrate Deepavali concentrating on these noble principles.

True Hindus are innocent people who develop harmony and compassion and reject violence and terrorism.

They do not harm even the smallest of living beings and respect human beings as they practise this noble principle following the divine faith instilled in them. Most Hindus are vegetarians and they lead their lives religiously.

It is not a secret that the conduct of a minority of Tamils who have become terrorists is a burden on the majority of Hindus. It needs no emphasis that the terrorism existing in the North and the East is an obstacle for the people living there to enjoy Deepavali in its true spirit following the noble principles taught in Hinduism.

However, today is a great day for all Hindus living in the world. We all wish with the Hindus that compassion and non-violence may prevail all over the world on this great day."