President yearns for new era of trust

COLOMBO: President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his New Year message expressed the hope for a sustainable peace that would open the doors to a new era of trust and understanding among all people of Sri Lanka enabling them to move forward to solve their political and social problems.

The President stated: "At the dawn of a New Year it is customary to make new resolutions, renew our commitments and look forward to the future with good expectations.

"We hope this New Year will bring the long awaited genuine and sustainable peace to our land; bring about a new era of trust and understanding among all our people, and enable us to move forward together to solve our social and political problems.

It is necessary for us to re-dedicate ourselves to the defeat of terrorism and violence, and foster tolerance and understanding in the search for a better future for our country and nation."

"The demands of this New Year will be challenging; it will also open the way to many new opportunities.

It is necessary that we accept the challenges with courage, and make the best of the opportunities for genuine nation building that come our way."

"I am happy to send you my greetings and best wishes for a peaceful and prosperous New Year."