Christians in Sri Lanka celebrated the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year with Buddhists and Hindus by organizing activities focusing on peace and reconciliation after years of civil war.
“We have organized cultural games with Buddhist and Hindus to promote religious harmony in Ratnapura diocese,” said Bishop Cletus C. Perera of Ratnapura.
“We had New Year Masses in some parishes today,” said the bishop, who is also chairman of the National Commission for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue.
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,” Bishop Perera told UCA News.
“New Year festivities should further unite the hearts and minds of Sri Lankans … in the search for permanent peace and reconciliation,” the bishop said.
“I trust that this New Year … will lead us to a future of prosperity,” said a nun who works with displaced people in the former war zone.
“Every year this celebration brings new hope, but this year carries added meaning. For the first time in decades, all parts of the country can celebrate New Year together,” the nun added.
Nisantha Kurera, a human rights activist, agreed, saying, “It is the ideal time to mend ties which were broken due to a number of reasons.”
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.
He said it is strong cultural traditions that bond Sri Lankans.
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.
Source : http://www.cathnewsindia.com
