The National Thai Pongal Festival was celebrated in grand style at the Presidential Secretariat today (15 Jan) with the participation of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.
Organized jointly by the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, and the Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, the event marked a noble cultural tradition that expresses gratitude for the dignity of labour and the protection gained from nature.
Thai Pongal rituals were performed under the leadership of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, while the festival featured a variety of cultural performances showcasing Hindu traditions.
Presenting the President’s Thai Pongal greetings, Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi described the occasion as a significant religious festival for the Hindu community and expressed hope that all Sri Lankans and people worldwide would receive blessings on this day.
“This occasion is a very important religious festival for the Hindu people. Organized with the contribution of the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, the Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, and the Prime Minister’s Office, this historic Thai Pongal celebration brings us great joy. At this moment, which reflects Sri Lanka’s unique identity, I pray that all Sri Lankans and people around the world who are committed to building the nation receive blessings on this Thai Pongal day.”
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya called on all Sri Lankans to build a country founded on unity, mutual respect, and the safeguarding of cultural and religious rights.
She emphasized the importance of values such as effort, patience, and respect for the environment, which form the essence of Thai Pongal, and noted the government’s responsibility to restore the nation through policy and attitudinal reforms.
“Thai Pongal reminds us of the importance of togetherness, our bond with nature, and the value of gratitude in daily life. I am delighted to celebrate this national festival today and wish all participants and the Hindu community a blessed Thai Pongal day,” she added.
The event was attended by members of the Maha Sangha, Hindu priests, leaders of all religions, ministers, deputy ministers, local and foreign diplomats, distinguished guests, Hindu devotees, and schoolchildren. (Newswire)