Sinhala, Hindu New Year message:

New Year, symbolises peace, happiness and prosperity - PM

It is with great pleasure I send this message on account of the dawn of Sinhala - Hindu New Year which symbolises Sri Lanka's prime cultural festival that brings peace, happiness and prosperity to their lives, states Prime Minister and Buddhasasana and Religious Affairs Minister Dr D M Jayaratne in a message.

The message adds: "The New Year is important not only because the sun transists from the house of Pisces (Meena Rashiya) to the house of Aries (Mesha Rashiya) but also since it is a very special function which turns on a new page of the lives of Sri Lankans.

The Sri Lankans just after their new harvest perform all the New Year rituals at the same auspicious time in harmony and unity.

"Sri Lankans should be determined to make a meaningful cultural festival out of Sihala-Hindu New Year just not focusing on mere celebrations. We all have been entrusted with the responsibility of building our nation with the inspiration of the Sri Lankan culture and our own identity.

People should make their contribution irrespective of race, religion, politics, caste or colour.

The 30 year old war which plagued our country ended by the Security Forces under the President's able leadership. Following the defat of terrorism, the country is on a fast development track.

In parallel to the global programme to achieve millennium development goals, our government has launched many projects targeting economic, social and cultural developments to uplift the country.

Further, it supports the existence of an economically and spiritually developed nation.

"Now as Sri Lankans, you have been given a unique opportunity to see your hopes and dreams materialize for the New Year, while safeguarding our traditional customs, social and cultural values.

'Today is the day that brings smiles on to your faces for a lucky future. I wish you a very happy New Year filled with peace, happiness and prosperity. Wish you a fabulous future".