Sinhala-Tamil new year celebrated at Embassy in Paris

Paris, 18 April, (Asiantribune.com):

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Paris observed the dawn of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year with ceremonies at its premises on April 15.

At the commencement of the ceremony, the Chargé d’ Affaires of the Embassy, Ms. W. S. Perera read out the New Year message of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and highlighted his call made for the New Year festivities “to seek to further unite our people in heart and mind.” It was also noted that ‘The New Year celebrations by Sinhalese and Tamils alike are most appropriate in recognizing the kinship among us. This is the continuance of strong cultural traditions that strengthen the bonds among the people of our land.’

In his message, the President had also stated that ‘I trust that this Sinhala and Tamil New Year which reflects the unity and pride of our nation will be celebrated by all in the spirit of joy, peace, sharing and contentment which will lead us to a future of prosperity.’

Speaking further on the occasion, Ms. Perera noted that the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was of extreme significance as it was an occasion on which the Sinhala and Tamil communities come together to celebrate a festival of importance to both communities. She noted that all Sri Lankans viewed the celebrations as a stimulating and enlivening factor in society, as it fostered national consciousness in the country.

Ms. Perera while observing that this was the first New Year after the dawn of peace in Sri Lanka and the eradication of terrorism, stated that the importance of the occasion was highlighted as it was a unifying factor and a wonderful opportunity for a rapprochement of communities and cultures.

The Chargé d’Affaires also talked about the various activities and observances of the New Year, from the nonagathaya (when important activities are not engaged in) to the dawn of the New Year, the time of lighting the hearth and preparation of milkrice, and the time allotted for the consumption of food among others. These, she noted, were unique characteristics of the celebrations as all Sri Lankans come together to observe traditions and customs which have stood the test of time.

Members of the Sinhala and Tamil communities present on the occasion commended the efforts made to celebrate the New Year in the Embassy and expressed pleasure that the communities were coming together to observe the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, which marked the end of the harvest season.

A large spread of different sweetmeats and traditional New Year food was served at the Embassy at the end of the celebrations.

- Asian Tribune -