Christmas, which brings the message of peace and love to the world, is an important occasion to strengthen reconciliation and co-existence among committees, President Maithripala Sirisena said.
He was addressing the gathering at the State Christmas Festival held at the Hindu Cultural Centre in Trincomalee on December 16.
The President said the light of humanism always dawned with Christmas. "Everyone had a responsibility to light a lamp for the less fortunate which is the essence of Christmas, and to work for their benefit.
The President, who said that peace and reconciliation among communities should be strengthened in the interests of the country's future, said he would make use of Christmas to request all the people to join hands to build reconciliation among all communities to prevent a recurrence of war.
The President extended greetings for all Christian devotees making arrangements to celebrate Christmas this year.
Presentation of Christmas carols and several other items were among special features of the festival.
The President distributed prizes and certificates among winners of several competitions.
Apostolic Pro Nuncio Bishop Pierre Nguyen Van Wat, Bishop Vincent Fernando, Noel Emmanuel, Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs Minister John Amaratunge, Eastern Province Governor Rohitha Bogollagama, Parliamentarian Abudul Maharoof, Ministry Secretary Esala Weerakoon, Christian Affairs Department Director A.R. Gunawardene and IGP Pujith Jayasundera were present.
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