Happy Pongal with full freedom at hand-President

(January 14, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) On this special day of hope, I am glad to assure all Hindus of Sri Lanka that the time for the liberation of their brothers and sisters in faith, who are also my own brothers and sisters as citizens of Sri Lanka is near at hand, as we strive to restore freedom and democracy in full measure to the North of our country.

States President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his Thai Pongal Message to the Hindus of Sri Lanka.

Here is the full text of the President's message,

I am pleased to send this message of greetings to the Hindus of Sri Lanka as they join their fellow religionists the world over in to mark the most widely celebrated Hindu Festival of Sri Lanka.

Thai Pongal which falls on the first day of the month of Thai has a hallowed tradition as a festival of the Sun that is the source of good harvests, and a harvest festival that celebrates the rewards reaped by the hard work of cultivators.

The celebrations of Thai Pongal emphasize the plurality of our society as the Hindus of Sri Lanka demonstrate the ties to their rich cultural heritage. The spirit of revival and rededication that is part of this festival looks to the future with great hope and expectation of peace, harmony and understanding in our society.

On this Thai Pongal Festival my thoughts go out specially to the many Hindus who continue to be held in bondage by those who claim to fight for their liberation. On this special day of hope, I am glad to assure all Hindus of Sri Lanka that the time for the liberation of their brothers and sisters in faith, who are also my own brothers and sisters as citizens of Sri Lanka is near at hand, as we strive to restore freedom and democracy in full measure to the North of our country.

I wish the Hindus of Sri Lanka a happy Thai Pongal and together with them pray for peace, prosperity and greater trust and understanding among all people of Sri Lanka in the coming year. - Sri Lanka Guardian