Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa extended his Sinhala and Tamil New Year wishes, calling for unity while raising concerns over the government’s handling of cultural matters, including the recent New Year auspicious time table dispute.
In his New Year message, Premadasa wished all Sri Lankans a peaceful, happy, and prosperous Sinhala and Tamil New Year, describing the festival as the most significant cultural celebration shared by the nation, rooted in spiritual, moral, cultural, and recreational traditions.
He said the country has inherited a proud cultural heritage through these traditions and stressed that it is a collective responsibility to preserve them for future generations.
Premadasa also expressed concern over what he described as government actions that create uncertainty within society, stating that the intervention in the recent dispute over the New Year auspicious time table (Nakath Pathraya) raised serious questions about respect for cultural values.
He noted that the New Year represents an opportunity to move forward by learning from past shortcomings, highlighting that many Sri Lankans continue to face economic hardships and mental stress.
Premadasa said meaningful empowerment through sustainable, long-term solutions is needed instead of temporary relief, reaffirming his commitment to working towards such a program in the year ahead.
He concluded by urging the public to embrace unity and harmony, values reflected in the Sinhala and Tamil New Year traditions. (Newswire)