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SRILANKA-NEW YEAR-CELEBRATION
Sri Lankan president urges citizens to celebrate New Year at home
COLOMBO, April 13, 2020 (BSS/XINHUA) – Sri Lankan
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Monday urged citizens to
celebrate the local Sinhala and Tamil New Year inside their
homes and avoid social gatherings as the country fights to
contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his New Year message, President Rajapaksa, while wishing
citizens a joyful and prosperous New Year, said that presently
Sri Lanka, along with other countries, is facing a deadly
virus and hence health specialists have emphasized the
importance of maintaining social distancing.
“I appeal to all of you who voluntarily rallied around to
conquer any challenge faced by our country and nation, to
commit yourselves now as well, to prevent the spread of this
deadly virus by maintaining the social distance during this
festival time,” President Rajapaksa said.
“The New Year period, nourished with beauty of nature, is a
festival that human beings pay their tribute to the
environment and nature. We have now entered an era where the
need to integrate with the environment is much felt,” the
president added.
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, in his New Year message,
said this new year was being held at a crucial time when, as a
nation, Sri Lanka was facing a serious health threat, adding
that the threat has compelled Sri Lanka to celebrate the new
year in accordance with health advice and directions.
He further urged citizens to remain indoors and practice
age-old customs and traditions through simple celebrations.
Sri Lanka has reported a total of 210 COVID-19 infection
cases with seven deaths. A countrywide curfew imposed since
March remains in place.
BSS/XINHUA/ARS/1952 hrs