Sri Lankan President, PM greets Hindu people on Deepavali

The National Deepavali Festival was held on Friday evening under the patronage of Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Temple Trees.

The President along with the Prime Minister giving priority to the religious ceremony offered their best wishes to the Hindu people in Sri Lanka, reports the Colombo Page.

Wickremesinghe issued a message on the occasion and said that Deepavali is the Festival of Lights that expels darkness when symbolic lights are lit in Hindu homes.

The Prime Minister said, "In a world filled with darkness that divides us along ethnic, religious and political affiliations, Deepavali reminds us that we should strive to light the fire of fellowship among all mankind."

In his message, Wickremesinghe said that the festival assures us that there is hope of good triumphing over evil.

Wickremesinghe said, "In keeping with the Hindu belief that Deepavali presents a sacred occasion to overcome darkness in human hearts with the light of love, it also assures us that the its light can cast out animosity and restore faith".

"May this Deepavali light a thousand lights in the hearts of all Sri Lankans," he added.

A large number of distinguished guests including Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan, minister D.M. Swaminathan and state minister Vijayakala Maheswaran were present on the occasion.