Deepavali: National leaders stress unity, compassion and hope in festival messages
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake extended his greetings to Hindu devotees in Sri Lanka and around the world ahead of Deepavali. In a message issued on November 6, he said the festival marks the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
Recalling Krishna's triumph over Narakasura, he said the festival recalls the importance of justice and the victory of good. He stressed that the true meaning of Deepavali lies not only in lighting lamps in homes but in kindling love, compassion, brotherhood and humanity in people's hearts.
He said the festival offers an opportunity to renew the commitment to building a fairer, more compassionate society by choosing kindness over hatred, coexistence over division and justice over injustice, and reaffirmed that the government is committed to a nation that respects all religious and cultural identities and treats everyone with equality and dignity.
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya said Deepavali offers a chance to overcome hatred, envy and ignorance and embrace wisdom, compassion and unity. She stressed the need to move forward as one nation beyond ethnic and religious differences.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said Deepavali's message of good conquering evil and light conquering darkness is particularly relevant amid current social and economic challenges. He said standing against oppression and injustice is the festival's deeper meaning, and that this principle should guide the protection of people's rights and the rule of law.
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said Deepavali is not confined to one country or religion but celebrates the victory of light and the goodness of humanity. He noted that the lamps lit in the temples of Jaffna, in homes in Colombo, and in the homes of Sri Lankans in Dubai, London, Toronto and elsewhere reflect a shared feeling and connection.
He acknowledged that the hard work of Sri Lankans overseas continues to strengthen the country, and expressed hope that the lamps lit during Deepavali would dispel darkness not only from homes but from the hearts of communities around the world.
