Promote love and compassion - PM

Let us wish in the name of humanity that we will be able to promote mutual understanding and brotherhood among different communities living in this country by displaying love and compassion on all beings, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka said in a Thai Pongal day message.

The Prime Minister's message:

"Today is the first day of the year, according to Hindu rituals and traditions. Hindu devotees describe the dawn of the month of 'Thai' as an omen for prosperity, joy and fortune. This festival can also be described as a religious festival of a community depending on agriculture as a livelihood. Hindu devotees also have a custom of offering a part of the first harvest to God.

They offer milk rice to Sun God who bestowed blessings for the success of their agricultural pursuits. During this festival the cow is considered as a sacred object to which homage is paid.

Viewing the festival in another angle, Thai Pongal can be described as a festival which portrayed peaceful co-existence between animals and the environment.

Love and compassion towards animals and environmental protection are sterling human qualities. Tamils who are Hindu devotees upholding these values are a community wishing to live in peace and harmony.

On this great day, we should send a message to the Tiger terrorists. We should urge them to give up terrorism in the name of religions and humanity."