'Thai Pongal, a symbol of national unity'

'Although the Thai Pongal festival is celebrated by Tamil's in Sri Lanka, it is the festival for farmers to thank the sun god, irrespective of caste, creed or communal differences for giving them a bountiful harvest.

"The Tamils, Sinhalese and the Muslims in this country celebrate Thai Pongal festival on a grand scale," said Youth Affairs and Skills Development Minister Dullas Alahapperuma when our reporter met him at the ministry's Thai Pongal festival function last morning.

Thai Pongal celebration was conducted on a grand scale at the ministry with several Bhartha Natya dances and classical music recitals.

"Thai Pongal festival is a symbol of national unity and reconciliation among all communities living in our country," the minister said.

"The government is promoting that every citizen should respect other community's religious functions and join such functions as partners and create mutual understanding and respect for each other.

"Therefore, the government is considering making Thai Pongal a national festival, he said.

Senior Superintendent of Police K Kanagaratnam gave a detailed description of the importance of Thai Pongal and how it is conducted in various parts of the country.

The celebrations concluded with a Pooja.