Christmas messages

Christmas has special message for Sri Lankans

COLOMBO: President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his Christmas message noted that the Christmas season is of pivotal significance particularly for the people of Sri Lanka a time they are striving hard for peace and solidarity.

The President said: "Christmas is a time when the attention of the world is drawn to the message of Love and Peace preached by Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate today.

The reason that the preaching of Jesus Christ has spread throughout the world is purely due to its sublime nature.

Today we notice that all countries are engulfed by conflicts internal as well as international and natural calamities. Had the present day world adhered to the preaching of Jesus Christ many of such incidents could have not occurred.

Christmas also lays stress on the need for humility in our lives.

The birth of Jesus in the manger at Bethlehem, with only animals and shepherds for company, tells us all the importance of humility and the simple life, devoid of pride, arrogance and all ostentation; and the need to always help those who are poor and disadvantaged. The message of Bethlehem is also one of love and compassion to all sentient beings that share this world with us.

In these difficult times in our country, both Christians and others can benefit from the teachings of Love, Peace and Humility at the core of the message of Jesus Christ.

During the season of Christmas, with its spirit of loving and giving our duty should be to work for the benefit of the rest of the world with no discrimination at all. Christmas season is of pivotal significance, particularly for us at a time we are striving hard for peace and solidarity.

Therefore, it is timely that we make a special effort to do our best to ensure the safety and protection of all and create conditions for them to grow up in a world free of fears and threats of today. May the spirit of Christmas be with you all this Christmas Season.

I wish you all a Happy Christmas."

PM calls for prayer to defeat terrorism

COLOMBO: Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake in his Christmas message called upon all Sri Lankans to pray for the country to be rid of terrorism.

The Prime Minister said: "Christmas has dawned and Christians throughout the world would be praying for peace. We in Sri Lanka have been deprived of peace due to terrorism. Even though Christians living outside the North and the East could enjoy Christmas, those living in the affected areas are deprived of a peaceful Christmas.

No religion approves of murder and violence. The holy spirit of Christmas is peace and the brotherhood of man.

At a time such as this, we should all pray to be rid of terrorism. We should pray for the riddance of terrorism not only in Sri Lanka but throughout the world.

We have the right to live in peace not only during Christmas but at all times. We have the right to celebrate and to observe all our national festivals without hindrance.

Humanity should be freed from the clutches of terrorism. The highest honour we could render to the noble Jesus Christ is to take to our hearts his message of peace.

I wish my Christian brethren peace and a joyful Christmas."

Barriers hinder peace and justice - Bishop of Colombo

Bishop of Colombo Rt. Rev. Duleep de Chickera, in a Christmas message states: "The heart of the Christmas message is the initiative taken by God to cross barriers and bring liberation and hope for all. God does this by revealing Himself in the human Jesus, transforming us from selfishness to self-denial and community.

Today numerous barriers exist in Sri Lanka, dividing us, depriving us and destroying us: security barriers on our roads remind us that we are people prone to hatred, violence and revenge. Regional barriers between North and South, East and West remind us that we are fast losing the gift and right to integration and co-existence.

Transport and supply barriers remind us that cruel political agendas take precedence over basic human need, even when food is freely available. Barriers to peace and justice remind us that the stress of the past decades threatens to undermine creative values and courageous initiatives within us.

The inspiration and teaching of God in Christ calls us to acknowledge and overcome these barriers.

All communities, all leaders and all democratic institutions must collaborate in this task.

It is my earnest prayer this Christmas that God who journeys with those who seek new life and new community, will bless Sri Lanka.

I wish all our people and leaders of all communities, grace and peace this Christmas. May the servant of peace born in a stable be born in our midst, so that we might rise from the depths of despair to a new and shared life of understanding, sharing with unity."

Lets liberate our Motherland from wicked forces - JVP

JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe in his Christmas day message says: "Christians all over the world as well as those in Sri Lanka celebrate this festival to commemorate the birth of 'Prince of Peace'.

Christmas is celebrated this year at a time the human values of love, benevolence, amity and compassion are greatly needed. This is what is yearned for everywhere in the world today.

Christmas is celebrated for 2006 years today at a time when our Motherland is being tormented by the clutches of wicked forces; at a time that necessitates, the liberation of our Motherland from the shackles of those wicked forces and establish dignified peace.

This Christmas would be significant only if we determine to liberate our Motherland from these wicked forces and establish a dignified peace and spread love, benevolence, amity and compassion among all masses. Let this Christmas be an occasion that could lead to making our wishes fruitful.