Collective Spirit of New Year Vital to Overcome Challenges: President

14-Apr-2026

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In order to overcome the challenges prevailing in the country and ensure a meaningful life, the collective spirit and sharing values of the New Year are essential. In this regard, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called upon all citizens to unite in achieving the goal of a “Prosperous Country, a Beautiful Life.”

The President made this appeal in his New Year greeting message issued to mark the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

The message further states:

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, which symbolises both physical and spiritual transformation, is the foremost cultural festival of the people of this country. It is celebrated collectively at one auspicious moment, giving priority to traditional customs, auspicious-time rituals, and religious observances. This cultural sharing reflects to the world the identity of our nation and the socio-cultural bonds that exist among our communities.

We firmly believe that the future development path of the country can be chosen only in alignment with this valuable culture and our noble historical heritage. Accordingly, it must be recalled that all our future development plans have been strongly built upon these valuable traditions and cultural values.

Similarly, the common expectation of all rituals performed following the solar transition is the creation of a new human being who respects collective living, honours others, and values the existence of nature. I believe the characteristics and values of unity expressed through New Year customs should not remain limited to only a few days, but should be reflected in our conduct throughout the entire year.

During the major natural disaster we faced last year, we demonstrated to the world our ability to withstand internal shocks. In response to external challenges arising from the war situation in the Middle East region, the Government has already implemented the necessary programmes. As a nation, while overcoming these challenges together, I request everyone to act with dedication to make our lives more meaningful through the values of unity and sharing displayed during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season.

While making our achievements even more meaningful and continuing to progress without weakening amid emerging challenges, I call upon all citizens to join hands in ensuring that the vision of a “Prosperous Country, a Beautiful Life” becomes a right for everyone. I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes for this Sinhala and Tamil New Year to be a peaceful, joyful, and prosperous one.