Although adverse health conditions prevented us from celebrating last year’s Sinhala and Tamil New Year, this year all of us together have made it possible to enjoy the New Year festivities, duly observing the age-old customs and traditions while adhering to health guidelines. It is a fulfillment of the hopes of young children who look forward to the New Year, with excitement, as well as all other citizens.

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is our principal cultural festival. We have a strong belief that the prosperity of the coming year will be the result of all our citizens performing the rituals at the same auspicious time.

The cheerfulness of the adults is reflected through their children who are delighted with their new clothes, sweets, and games for the New Year. In addition, the pleasant
changes in the environment bring us physical and emotional bliss.

It is also a noble attribute of the New Year season that adults who struggle in life with complexities, settle grudges and animosities and reconcile with each other. It is my hope and expectation that all citizens without any discrimination will join the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations with tender and righteous thoughts.

I respectfully commend the commitment and sacrifice of all those who are engaged in essential services and who are employed overseas and unable to be with their families during this season of New Year.
May the dawn of Sinhala and Tamil New Year bring happiness, good health, and prosperity to all.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa
April 12, 2021