Prime Minister issues message to mark Thai Pongal

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa says Thai Pongal is a festival of thanksgiving a commemoration of the energy and support given to agriculture by nature, including the Sun God, up to the harvest.

The Premier in his message to mark Thai Pongal said, the festival marks the first month and dawn according to the Hindu calendar, and showcases the religious, social and cultural ties of the Tamil people around the world.

The statement said Sri Lanka is a country rich in cultural ties, with people of different religions and nationalities speaking different languages and must all, therefore, come forward as children of the same mother, realising the social meaning of such a great day in life.

The Premier said despite difficulties, the government has been able to fulfil its responsibility to protect the lives of the people due to the systematic implementation of the vaccination programme.

Prime Minister Rajapaksa said it is his belief that the meaning of Thai Pongal will also be of great help in achieving the noble goal of returning to the world as a prosperous country.