Issuing a New Year message, Secretary of State John Kerry says that the New Year represents a renewed opportunity for the people of Sri Lanka to join together in the spirit of reconciliation, tolerance, and peace.

He said that on behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, he offers warmest greetings to the people of Sri Lanka and the vibrant global Sri Lankan diaspora.

The message further states that as Sri Lanka continues to work to build a prosperous, democratic, and united Sri Lanka, he offeres his best wishes for a happy New Year and a peaceful year ahead.