I am extremely happy to join with the Sri Lankan Tamil brethren to celebrate the Thai Pongal festival that is being observed with festivities by all the Tamils across the world. On the day of Thai Pongal all the people who are engaged in the agricultural sector, worship the sun to express gratitude to the nature and seek blessings.
The new relationships built within the family unit with the dawn of the Thai Pongal, gradually expand to the entire society strengthening harmony. I earnestly believe, through this festival, the social bond filled with the spirit of humanity will further spread between the parents and children, teachers and students, friends and relations, rulers and citizens with strength.
To achieve the objectives of the Thai Pongal festival, all the Sri Lankan citizens must have a mutual understanding amongst them. It is important to commit with determination on this auspicious day to firstly implement this decision as an attitude change and secondly to make it a reality.
In a similar manner as light dispels darkness, the disharmony among people could be eliminated through the harmony amongst them. As Sri Lankan citizens we must move forward towards prosperity, based on this principle. All of us must unite to accomplish national goals and I invite all of our Sri Lankan Tamil brothers and sisters living in various countries in the world to perceive Sri Lanka as their Motherland to achieve those objectives.
May this auspicious occasion illuminate your life with noble humanitarian qualities as the Sun dispels darkness and light up our lives.
January 14th, 2020
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
