Prime minister’s message:

Let us eliminate terrorism to live in peace

The Sinhala and Hindu New Year day is a day of rejoicing not only for the Sinhalese and Tamils of Sri Lanka but also for Hindu devotees throughout the world, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka said in a New Year message.

“War heroes are engaged in operations to eliminate terrorism and ensure a country for us all to live in peace and brotherhood. Therefore, on this Sinhala and Hindu New Year day I wish to emphasise that barbaric terrorism should be wiped out from this Earth to enable unarmed innocent civilians to live in peace,” Prime Minister Wickramanayaka said.

He said: “Celebrating the natural process of the Sun moving from the Zodiac sign of Pisces to Aries has been a custom among a section of the community based on agriculture. Starting all work in the Sinhala and Tamil New Year according to auspicious times is a special tradition which teaches us a fine example.

That is to be punctual in everything we do. Inducing man towards religious through religious activities during the ‘Punya Kalaya’, honouring elders by offering a sheaf of betel and re-union among family- members and relatives eschewing past differences and enmities are special customs of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

The Sinhala New Year ritual of anointing oil giving special recognition to the system of indigenous medicine is unique to us and not found anywhere else in the world. We also start work in the New Year through some agriculture related activity like planting a tree.

“We are all aware that activities breaching peace which have taken place in the North and East for several years have denied an opportunity to enjoy the Sinhala Hindu New Year freely not only to the people in those areas but to those in all parts of the country.

“On New Year’s eve cruel terrorists made a disgraceful attempt to disrupt ordinary civilian life by storming a sports event and destroying several lives.

The barbaric LTTE terrorists are trying to disrupt Government plans to wipe out terrorism because they do not understand the value of a disciplined society.

I believe that it is our bounden duty today to offer moral support to war heroes and contribute towards their programme of protecting the country, nation and people. At times we are elated by the victories gained by our war heroes.

Soon afterwards we sob hugging the bodies of innocent relatives and friends killed by barbaric attacks of LTTE terrorists. We should relieve ourselves from this situation soon.

I wish all Sri Lankan Sinhalese and Tamils here and abroad a happy New Year which will ensure a bright and prosperous tomorrow.”