Help one another during this difficult Christmas season - Political leaders

In their Christmas messages, political leaders have called on Sri Lankans to help each other during the Christmas season during this difficult time.

Following are Christmas messages issued by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena

President Ranil Wickremesinghe

The dawn of Christmas is a day to reminisce and celebrate God’s love for humanity, by the birth of Jesus Christ as the savior of human kind. It is a joyous festival of humanity and peace, that proclaims the liberation of the poor and oppressed. The birth of baby Jesus in impoverished surroundings signifies the dedication of His life to creating a better society.   

In the country’s current unprecedented economic crisis, it is important for the people to extend compassion to one another, and assist each other. This would be a salutation to the testaments of Jesus Christ.

 It is appropriate to recall the appeal of His Holiness Pope Francis for a humble Christmas this year, with the savings from reduced spending on gifts to be donated to the needy and value humanity. 

It is the Government’s aspiration to present the joy of Christmas to the entirety of society. It is imperative for all citizens to resolve to fulfill their responsibilities this Christmas season, and propagate devotion to all.  

 As we celebrate the event of the birth of Jesus Christ, I pray that our country will soon be restored with prosperity. I wish everyone a happy Christmas in which the gospel of humanity, harmony and sacrifice that Jesus Christ desired, will spread far and wide.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena

Remembering the birth of Jesus Christ, who set an invaluble example to look at the world realistically, let us make this grand occasion of Christmas a foundation for a society that values love, human dignity and humanity. 

It is a timely need to properly recognise the vision of Jesus Christ who dedicated himself to free the burdened people and create a better society. 

The Christmas can be a landmark beginning for making an economically prosperous, self-sufficient Sri Lanka where conflicts are resolved by the elimination of hatred and cruelty.

Adhering to wonderful lessons of peace, reconciliation and equality, let us celebrate this Christmas meaningfully by lending a helping hand to others.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa

Across the world, people celebrate the birth of the prince of peace, or baby Jesus, who entered the earth in human form to spread the message of peace and deliver humanity as a whole from evil. 

 No matter their ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, skin color, age, or stage of life, people from all over the world celebrate the magnificent Christmas, which has as its subject love, peace, and brotherhood, as both a religious and a cultural festival. 

Christian doctrine holds that God anticipated the values of his kingdom to come back to life on earth when he sent his Son into the world. Christians across the world have observed Christmas Day in December in their churches with bells ringing and candlelit rituals commemorating the birth of Jesus for thousands of years. 
 
Every educator in the globe imparted a moral way of living to people. Every teacher's dharma was centered on mercy, harmony, and peace. Jesus was a magnificent teacher who extended immense kindness and mercy to not only humans and animals but also to the environment. He is the one we honor today with great devotion. He taught the world a wonderful lesson about sharing and brought a new meaning to the world about human freedom. He practically taught the world the noble virtues of respecting each other, being kind to each other, and treating all mankind with brotherhood. 

Christ's teaching is based only on love. Christmas is therefore also known as the season of peace. In this season, which is the festival of sharing love and peace, only humble, loving hearts can experience the true birth of Christ. If it is so, we can always celebrate a real Christmas day. Therefore, let's make Christmas this year a Christmas where we meet Jesus.

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased.” - Luke 2:14

Today is the holy day of Christmas, which celebrates the birth of the son of God. Jesus Christ was a religious leader who never saw any difference between the rich and the poor. On the day of his birth in to this world as a child of God, the shepherds who were an extremely poor and innocent human community were chosen as angels brought them the good message.

On this day when the whole world is celebrating Christmas amidst extreme challenges, our prayer to all Catholic and Christian Sri Lankans is that you will surely inherit God's eternal, spiritual healing and peace, even in the midst of various hardships.

May all of you who celebrate this Christmas day even while undergoing a busy lifestyle, not pursue the mere worldliness, but be able to live spiritually healed, blessed by God, and be loved by God!