Easter a time for renewal and hope - President

EASTER proclaims the message of renewal and hope - a hope that transcends all limitations and triumphs over man's worst fears.

This message of renewal is especially meaningful now during this challenging time in our Nation's history when Sri Lanka is recovering from the worst natural disaster in living memory, said President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga in an Easter message.

The message: "Today Christians around the world celebrate the central event of their faith - the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

"The empty tomb of Easter symbolises the inability of the circumstances to crush the spirit of hope. Three months on, we Sri Lankans are rebuilding our lives after having dealt with a major tragedy. As Saint Paul in his letter to the Romans says, 'The night is nearly over; the day is almost here.

So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light.' (Romans 13:12), let us this Easter renew our strength and hope, so that we may rise above this devastation, in unity.

I wish everyone a very happy Easter !."