Politics · Sri Lanka Bureau
PM urges Sri Lankans to strengthen cultural bonds across divides
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has called for national unity and interfaith harmony in her Deepavali message, urging all Sri Lankans to transcend ethnic and religious differences. The premier emphasized the festival's timeless symbolism of light triumphing over darkness and good prevailing over evil.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
In her Deepavali address, Dr Amarasuriya stressed the importance of leveraging shared cultural values to advance the nation as one united people. The Prime Minister highlighted how the festival, celebrated across diverse communities, represents universal principles that resonate with Sri Lankans regardless of their religious or ethnic background.
Deepaavali, observed by Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and other communities across the island, carries profound symbolic significance rooted in ancient traditions. Dr Amarasuriya's message focused on how such observances can serve as occasions to reinforce social cohesion and collective national identity.
The Prime Minister's comments come amid efforts by the current administration to foster reconciliation and unity following years of communal tensions. Her appeal to strengthen cultural bonds reflects a broader government emphasis on building consensus across Sri Lanka's multicultural society.
The festival of lights remains one of the most widely celebrated occasions in Sri Lanka, bringing communities together to mark the victory of virtue over vice and illumination over ignorance. Dr Amarasuriya's message underscored the relevance of such enduring values to contemporary nation-building efforts.