Avurudhu signifies strong ties between Sinhala, Tamil people - President

A group of students representing a large number of schools in the Western Province conducted a cultural pageant at the President's House, Colombo, yesterday to mark the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

The pageant depicted a blend of New Year rites unique to each of the two ethnic cultures - Sinhala and Tamil. The events main objective was to take the message of ethnic harmony to schoolchildren.

The ceremony was organised jointly by the Presidential Secretariat and the Aesthetic Unit and the Peace, Morals and National Integration Unit of the Education Ministry. It was a brainchild of President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.

Approximately 350 male and female students representing 12 Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim Schools in the Western Province performed, displaying native recreational activities and New Year rituals unique to their respective ethnic cultures.

The President in her address, pointed out that the strong ties between the Sinhala and Tamil people are well signified by celebrating a common New Year Day by both these communities.

The similarity of the two cultures is the hallmark of their common existence though they speak two different languages. Nobody wants to divide this country.

All people in this country share equal rights. The example set by these schoolchildren by celebrating the New Year today, not separately but as one unit is worthy of emulation by people all over the country, President Kumaratunga said.

President Kumaratunga said even the LTTE has now given up the concept of a separate state and they must be afforded the opportunity to join the mainstream of democracy.

She expressed regrets over her inability to set the participation of schoolchildren of the North and East, due to the non-availability of time.

The President also expressed her delight over the children's excellent performances and gave them certificates and gifts.

Ven. Daranagama Kusala Dhamma Thera in an anusasana thanked the organisers and blessed the Government led by President Kumaratunga.

A large number of Ministers, Ministry Secretaries, school principals and Ministry officials participated.