Interfaith activities mark New Year in Sri Lanka

(April 14, 2010) In Sri Lanka, Christians celebrated the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year with Buddhists and Hindus on Wednesday by organizing activities focusing on peace and reconciliation after years of civil war. Bishop Cletus Perera of Ratnapura said “We organized cultural games with Buddhist and Hindus, to promote religious harmony in Ratnapura diocese.The bishop, who is also chairman of the National Commission for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue, said they also celebrated Masses in some parishes. The Sinhalese and Tamil New Year is an important national holiday for both Sinhalese Buddhists and Tamil Hindus. This year’s celebrations carry added meaning, as all Sri Lankans can now celebrate the occasion in peace. “This is an opportunity to renew bonds and work together to change hearts and heal the wounds of suffering people,” said Bishop Perera . He hoped that the New Year festivities will further unite the hearts and minds of Sri Lankans in the search for permanent peace and reconciliation.
Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith of Colombo conveyed his greetings to all Sri Lankans. He said he prays that all communities would join hands together to develop the country.
In his New Year message, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa also noted that this is the first New Year being celebrated in peace ,since the civil war ended in May 2009