Joy of New Year shared by all - President

'As the New Year dawns, we look towards to the future with much hope and enthusiasm brought about by firm resolution, commitment and good expectations for the country. Thus the joy of the New Year would be equally shared by all,' states President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a New Year message.

The message adds:

'In the past several years we achieved great victories for the country,' building the nation with dignity and strength. These victories were made possible by a forward-looking approach and utilizing every available opportunity to bring honour and glory to the nation. While this led to a united country, it also saw the beginning of a new era of development with new ports, major irrigation schemes, new airports and Expressways.

'Embracing all the victories we have achieved, we should step forward as a resurgent nation. This progress will be expedited by forging a political tradition that is based on new thinking. With regard to unity among communities we should act with a new vision. It is my belief that the development of the country now moving in new directions could be expedited by such vision and thinking. Similarly, our resolution for the New Year should be to work with tolerance, kindness, understanding and co-existence.

'As we build a new country for the future by working together in thought and deed I call upon you to come forward with great resolve and fresh expectations.

'I wish you all a Happy New Year'.

President 's Christmas message

"I am pleased to share the joy of Christmas with all who celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ today.

The story of Christmas has great meaning to all humankind. The birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, in a stable in Bethlehem, is a powerful reminder of the message of humility, love, and sharing that is spread with the ringing of Christmas bells in this festive season.

The sheep in whose midst the Child Jesus was born and lay on a manger, and the shepherds who first paid tribute to the Son of God, shows us that Christian love has strong bonds with the poor and the common people and should also extend to all other beings that share this world with us.

"In this season of loving and giving, Christians seek to break the barriers that divide people, whether by race, ethnicity, religion, caste, wealth or social status.

The message Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all that came with the first Christmas has relevance to the world today as it faces increasing challenges of hatred, terror, national rivalry, economic crisis, climate change and food insecurity. The prayers of Christians in this Season of Goodwill seek to ease the burdens of society with the love that is re-kindled with the Nativity of Jesus Christ.

Sharing the hope in these prayers, I send my warmest good wishes for a Christmas full of joy, peace and goodwill to all Christians in Sri Lanka."