The Sinhala and Tamil New Year which dawns annually bestows a fine message to the society for renewing human activity. When hopes and aspirations are renewed activity is renewed involuntarily. These new thoughts are the foundation of a creative and active society based on the trajectory of the Sun. Sri Lanka's have been celebrating the Sun festival or the Sinhala and Tamil New Year with rejoicing from time immemorial.

It is an example which portrayed our unity to the world.

If all parents ensure that they perform customs and traditions connected with the New Year in the correct manner setting and example to their children these valuable customs and traditions would remain active in the future.

I believe that at a time when peace and happiness overflows all hearts and minds with the dawn of New Year man should ensure a renewal both materially as well as in the thinking and vision. If that happens the government's vision of building a free and peaceful country will not be a difficult task.

I wish one and all of you a very happy New Year.