We celebrate this New Year at a time when production is progressing rapidly in agriculture and all other areas of development. It is also a time when all enjoy the freedom achieved in our motherland, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said.

We celebrate this New Year at a time when production is progressing rapidly in agriculture and all other areas of development. It is also a time when all enjoy the freedom achieved in our motherland, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said.

"Therefore, this New Year will help bring a renewal in spirit and new expectations to the people about future progress," said the President.

Here is the full text of the message :

From ancient days the great cultural festival of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year has brought satisfaction and joy to the vast majority of our people. It is a festival that pays homage to the Sun for the strength given to the land and people and is also the annual harvest festival that echoes the achievements of the rural people.

We celebrate this New Year at a time when production is progressing rapidly in agriculture and all other areas of development. It is also a time when all enjoy the freedom achieved in our motherland. Therefore, this New Year will help bring a renewal in spirit and new expectations to the people about future progress.

The New Year traditions coming down through centuries add to the joy of celebration. We can give this joy to future generations by making our children aware of its importance in our way of life.

We must create every opportunity for our children who cherish the New Year festivities to join in observing the many rituals and traditions that are associated with it. Therefore, to ensure the safety and joy of our children in celebrating this event, I appeal to you all to keep away from all intoxicants during this festive season. I trust this will contribute to bringing its joy closer the children and women of our country.

I extend my deep gratitude to the members of the Armed Forces, Police and Civil Defence Corps, as well as all employees of the State and Private Sector who have made a commitment to be at their posts during the festive season.

I wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year !