President calls to set aside petty differences

President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his Deepavali message to the nation, called on all citizens to cast aside their petty differences and rally around the light of Deepavali to expel the darkness of ignorance and spread the light of wisdom in peace, brotherhood and unity, which is the teaching of Deepavali.

The Presdient's message said:

"It is indeed a pleasure to extend my warm felicitation for Deepavali, being a colourful religious festival of lights celebrated with much reverence by Hindu devotees.

For Deepavali, Hindus illuminate their temples and homes, be it mansions or huts, with light bulbs and lamps symbolizing the expelling of the darkness of ignorance and creating the radiance of knowledge.

Only light can dispel darkness. Therefore, in the spirit of Deepavali let us all cast aside all differences and come together to collectively dispel the darkness that is currently shrouding our Motherland, with unprecedented challenges.

Peace, brotherhood and unity are of significance in the celebration of Deepavali and I request of Sri Lankans irrespective of race, religion or political affiliation to unite around the light of Deepavali to rebuild the country.

I am hopeful that this Deepavali celebration will be the beginning of a better future that will fulfill everyone’s wishes and make Sri Lanka a prosperous nation. I wish all Hindu devotees a very Deepavli festival.”