President's Thai Pongal message:

'Thai the beginning of a new path'

President Mahinda Rajapaksa sent the following message to mark Thai Pongal yesterday.

"Thai Pongal is a celebration of the Hindu-Tamil farming community that highlights the core values of their culture and civilisation. It is a sacred day when gratitude is expressed to the Sun God for the bountiful harvest gathered. As such, it is a day for Hindus in Sri Lanka who march towards development in the golden rays of the sun, to join in celebration with those of their faith worldwide."

"I join in the prayers on this Thai Pongal, for stronger bonds of friendship, mutual understanding and trust among all communities in the absence of fear and suspicion."

"I call upon all on this day, to be united to achieve a sustainable peace, harmony, equality and prosperity in our land."

"The dawn of the month of Thai, is the beginning of a new path", he said.