Presidential Secretariat holds Deepavali celebration highlighting national unity

A special Deepavali celebration organised by the Presidential Secretariat Welfare Association took place on November 6 at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo Fort, highlighting the importance of national unity and religious harmony.

The event was held under the patronage of Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar and Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

Hindu religious rituals and traditions formed part of the programme, including a special religious pooja conducted by the Chief Kurukkal of the Mayurapathy Hindu Temple in Colombo, together with other Kurukkals. Priests representing several Hindu temples also participated in the religious observances. A colourful Hindu and Tamil cultural programme of traditional dances, songs and musical performances added significance to the occasion.

Extending Deepavali greetings to those present, Dr Kumanayake said that religious and cultural celebrations of this nature play an important role in further strengthening national unity and religious harmony in Sri Lanka. He noted that when people from different ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds come together to respect and celebrate one another's traditions and heritage, it helps promote mutual understanding, friendship and trust. He also emphasised the importance of creating an environment within State institutions where everyone receives equal respect and recognition and enjoys a sense of belonging.

He commended the Presidential Secretariat Welfare Association for its continued efforts to organise such programmes. The Secretary to the President also expressed his appreciation to members of the Hindu business community, Hindu business associations in Colombo, business establishments and other donors who extended financial assistance and various forms of support to make the celebration a success.

The welcome address was delivered by Attorney Samith Thalakiriyawa, Secretary of the Presidential Secretariat Welfare Association and Assistant Secretary to the President.

Member of Parliament Kithnan Selvaraj, Chief of Staff to the President Attorney Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Senior Additional Secretaries to the President Roshan Gamage and Russell Aponso, and Presidential Legal Adviser Attorney J.M. Wijeyabandara were among those present. Senior officials of the Presidential Secretariat, diplomatic representatives, ministry secretaries, other State officials and members of the President's Office staff also attended. Representatives of the Colombo Hindu Business Associations Consortium, which provided financial and other sponsorship for the programme, were also present.