Welcome New Year with renewed strength and determination

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said the New Year is a hopeful time for all of us and we should welcome it with renewed strength and determination.

We are grateful for the support extended by the people of Sri Lanka for our Government to create an inclusive and safe country for all Sri Lankans. During the short tenure of our government, we take great pride in being able to address public grievances, and work towards the betterment of our people. After five years of political stagnation, we were able to restart many endeavours aimed at enhancing our social and economic growth, while fighting the multifaceted challenges of the Covid 19 pandemic.

I commend the dedication of our frontline staff fighting the Covid 19 pandemic. Healthcare workers, the armed forces, police and security, government officials and volunteers have helped in mitigating the impact of this unprecedented challenge. While 2020 was a difficult year for all of us in Sri Lanka and around the world, it has been a true test of our spirit. The people of Sri Lanka have shown their true mettle in these difficult times, and as we reflect back on this year, let us all believe that brighter days are ahead of us.

I wish you all a very happy, safe and prosperous new year!

Mahinda Rajapaksa

Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.