MR calls for unity

13 April 2012 01:52 pm - 35 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that the traditional New Year becomes more meaningful through the embellishment of friendship and unity.

"It is best if every step is taken to build good relations and cooperation with each other during this season of festivity. The observance of the many important traditions associated with the New Year strengthens great unity and understanding," Rajapaksa said in his New Year message.

Sri Lanka is celebrating the New Year just a month before it also celebrates three years since the end of a bitter war between the military and Tamil Tiger rebels.

The rebels fought for 30 years for an independent Tamil homeland in the Tamil dominated north and east of the country.

However with the defeat of the rebels in May 2009 the Sri Lankan government faced allegations of committing human rights abuses in its attempt to bring a quick end to the conflict.

Sri Lanka's Acting Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena in a statement on Friday said that Sri Lanka continues to face obstacles as it looks to achieve "economic victories" three years after defeating the rebels.

He called on the public to unite and march forward with one objective as it celebrates the traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

The traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year include a host of festivities at auspicious times which will continue till Monday. (Bernama)

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Comments - 35

Challenger Saturday, 14 April 2012 01:48 PM

Dear Mr. President Sir,
You are educated enough to count numbers, I'm sure. Please see the comments above and conclude the Blessings and Curses you have earned by sheer incompetence. Many are even asking you to please "Abdicate". Get the hint even now. It's never too late to correct your faults, starting from your own house. After all, Charity begins at home!

Calistus Jayatilleke Saturday, 14 April 2012 04:19 AM

These words mean nothing to the ordinary people of the country who live in fear of abductions and burdened with hefty cost of living. Preaching is always easy, but people need to see these wishes turned into reality.

Mason Saturday, 14 April 2012 05:50 AM

You Mr President and your government are not interested in ushering peace and prosperity to the people of this country. You are selling our country to the chinese because it profits you and your cronies. There is no good governance, human rights, law and order and many other deprivations. You have done nothing to solve these, but go about with your chest thumping rhetoric which benefits none, especially the common man who is day by day tightening his belt.
Be truthful and try not to cheat the people.

Calistus Jayatilleke Saturday, 14 April 2012 05:52 AM

How can anyone celebrate new year when it is known that there will be price increases in milk foods, flour, bread, gas etc. just after the new year is over - and some increases are already felt. Could we also expect another SMS from the President when these price increases are implemented?

perumal Saturday, 14 April 2012 05:23 AM

Please understand! Unite around me but no one else!!

Jhonty Saturday, 14 April 2012 06:45 AM

Ayyo what unity?

dev Saturday, 14 April 2012 08:32 AM

Dear President, Why this Kolaveri?
People are already united for years, PLEASE Go away!!!

Yehiya Saturday, 14 April 2012 09:31 AM

Unity ball is in your hand. Not to pass to LTTE again

Gamini Sen Saturday, 14 April 2012 09:54 AM

So monotonous and hear this time and again. Mere words will not bring unity and peace. Preachs a lot but never practice. Tens of thousands of people embraced you for wining the terror but Mr Prez, your regime is a big flop, in other words the worst govt that SL ever had. I dont think that you can sell your 'patriotic' and 'unity' books anymore locally or otherwise.
Happy New Year to all Srilankans!

Amila.G Saturday, 14 April 2012 03:31 AM

Are all these wishes genuine, Year after year Politicians wish what the people like to hear , And do some thing else.

kiribath Saturday, 14 April 2012 05:21 PM

One thing, I am very happy that people who had kiribath some time a go, are paying for that. Keep going going beliatta.

Yuri Saturday, 14 April 2012 05:36 PM

Send the white Van gang to Canada learn how people united there., its waste carrying flowers to temple

AMT Sunday, 15 April 2012 12:33 AM

The text of the message shows that it was not drafted by Bell Pottinger

Nodrog Sunday, 15 April 2012 04:17 AM

But when it comes to voting for more perks the politicians are always united.

P.Wijesekera Sunday, 15 April 2012 05:52 AM

The one goal of the Govt is to keep MR as the President for ever. The whole country must unite to make this a reality no matter what the cost.

Sk Sunday, 15 April 2012 06:32 AM

Well said.JR wanted the same.He wanted UNP to rule all the time.What happened?please learn a lesson from the history.they history repeats it self.You better understand the pulse of the people.You cannot devise and rule like in the 58.now all,Sinhalese,Tamils,Muslims,burgers are all sufferingThere is unity in suffering.please behave like a statesma,take the clue from Abraham Lincoln,Nelson Mandela and them.

Wicks Sunday, 15 April 2012 07:05 AM

P Wijesekera, MR Is what today is because of few nitwits like you. A few more like you is more than enough to send our beloved president to the Netherland.
We are asking him to change from his mismanagement of power, but enchouraging him to be a power freak.

Noor Sunday, 15 April 2012 07:25 AM

How unity will come when you and your regime not willing for equal share of power to the minorities. Mr. Stop talking and start to act, it is not too late now, but it become tooooo late.

Rizwan Friday, 13 April 2012 06:19 PM

JAYAWEWA....JAYAWEWA......

Royalist Friday, 13 April 2012 02:36 PM

Thank you for the worst New Year in 35 Years!

Waruna Kumara Friday, 13 April 2012 02:24 PM

pls dont always talk about the WAR WAR.....its over and let us develop the country and bring down cost of living. So at least people can live peacefully and Happily without a burden...Bcos of the current cost of living how many people can not celeberate this festival...There are many...we can see this from the market business...

aj Friday, 13 April 2012 02:23 PM

IF U WANT UNITED BEFORE THE U HAVE IMPLEMENT LLRC AND NEED TAMILS POLITICAL SOLUTION. AND INQUIRE FOR WAR CRIMES.

Ranjan Fernando Friday, 13 April 2012 02:44 PM

Unity & Prosperity will come as soon as You start Practicing what you Preach.
By Implimenting all recomendations and Ammendments that were passed by the Parliament, Years Ago.
Happy New year to all DM Readers.

fazan Friday, 13 April 2012 03:06 PM

Mr.President, New year will be meaningful if you stop manipulating facts and fooling our people. You also can ask the relevant party to stop white van killing operation.

Rahu Friday, 13 April 2012 03:26 PM

If u talk about the peace, first u teach fr ur brothers nd mervin silva. Also find out d white van

Anon Friday, 13 April 2012 04:07 PM

Yeah Right. After new year I will gives the gist of price increases.

RajasH Friday, 13 April 2012 06:13 PM

why no temple trees celebration with all religious representation?

no Krishna to hoodwink may be?

Jawfer Friday, 13 April 2012 02:04 PM

We people united but you politicians are deviding people of Srilanka.
We are ready to find a solution for minority issues . Are you ready without buying time ?

Arachchi Friday, 13 April 2012 06:58 PM

well said...you sum up whole situation

fazan Friday, 13 April 2012 07:16 PM

101% agreed with you.

MR Saturday, 14 April 2012 12:18 AM

You have been a great war time President
But you have no idea, how to build a prosperous democracy with independent judiciary, police, press and election commision. I think its time you retire Mr President

Nadeesha Saturday, 14 April 2012 01:27 AM

Unity should be from top down. Not bottom up. It has been almost 3 years since the victory of war. What we have achieved during last 3 years. Middle level people are suffering and still see no progress.
Does it mean failure of leadership???

Amal Saturday, 14 April 2012 02:06 AM

Practice what You preach & release the General who has been wrongly jailed under trumped up charges just because he challenged you. The world would know that we are united only if such deeds are done rather than suppressing dissent.

Lucifer Saturday, 14 April 2012 02:24 AM

Not Only politicians. Priests Also...

Godaya Saturday, 14 April 2012 02:40 AM

What Unity when you practice divide and rule.

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MR calls for unity

Comments - 35

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