New Year dawns in Sri Lanka, giving the world new hope

by Staff Writer
1-1-2024
The New Year dawned, giving the world many new expectations.

Despite many challenges, the people of Sri Lanka welcomed 2024 with great pomp.

The people celebrated the dawn of the new year by giving priority to religious ceremonies since early on Monday (01) morning.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said while each of us holds myriad personal aspirations, the realization of these goals is intrinsically tied to the resurgence of the country from its current state of crisis.

In a New Year greeting message, the President said through the unwavering commitment of all the citizens and their resilience throughout the past year, we achieved foundational success in saving the country from financial distress.

The Head of State said however, in order to achieve economic stability, we must continue to forge ahead in this demanding path – one that is not adorned with flowers but presents formidable challenges.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in his New Year message said necessary measures have been taken in this year’s Budget to launch the Government’s programme to create a country with new hopes.

The Prime Minister said “In line with the last year, let us all work together with dedication for a prosperous future in a disciplined and democratic society by helping to implement the challenging programme of creating a new era in all economic, political, social and cultural fields”.

In a message of greetings for the New Year, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa said “It is my only wish that people will be able to fulfill their aspirations in this New Year”.

The Opposition Leader said, “At this moment when the country is facing many serious economic and political crises, even the normal living conditions of the country’s people have faced many extraordinary challenges”.

He said “In order to change this situation, the country needs a governance system that thinks about the people and not about the needs of the rulers”.