President’s Thai Pongal message

Wishing Tamils of Sri Lanka who celebrate the Thai Pongal festival, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, said his sole objective and that of his Government is to usher in prosperity to Sri Lankans, irrespective of racial or religious differences.

In a statement, the President said, “On this blessed day, they boil freshly harvested rice with milk with the wish for prosperity for themselves, their families, the country and the world at large. My sole objective and that of our Government is to usher in prosperity to all Sri Lankans, irrespective of racial or religious differences. Our government policy statement, ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’, is the means to achieve this noble objective.”

“Thai Pongal, also known as the Festival of Harvest, is one of the foremost religious and cultural festivals celebrated by Tamils around the globe. It signifies paying gratitude to the Sun, on which farmers rely for a bountiful harvest and the traditional way of life tied to agriculture and Mother Nature. Tamils who live by the Hindu faith consider Thai Pongal to mark the dawn of a New Year, during which their expectations would be fulfilled. On this joyful occasion, I join our Tamil brethren to share their joy and happiness,” he said.