The message said humanity which understood the birth and existence of Earth depended on the Sun from pre-historic times had engaged in thanksgiving service to the Sun in various ways. It has become a pooja connected to religion, livelihood and environment in the orient. It has become customary for Sri Lankans who have filled their larder with the Maha harvest to welcome the dawn of the New Year with heart and mind.

a special feature of the Sinhalaa dn Tamil New Year is that the entire community united for a common objecttive to ona and all.

Paying homage to elders, visiting friends and relatives are important customs which reminded the social hierarchy and generated reconciliation.

The objective for New Year should be not only to clean up the environment but also to forget past enmities and make a new beginning with pure hopes and aspirations.

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is a fine occasion to correct past mistakes. This New Year will undoubtedly be a year of conciliation celebrated with respect to customs and traditions of others while observing ones own customs and traditions. May this New Year be a happy and prosperous New Year for all Sri Lankans.