Sampanthan’s Hope
31 October 2016A large gathering of distinguished guests participated at the Deepavali celebration held at Temple Trees on Friday (28) where the guests were treated with traditional Tamil cultural programmes and refreshments.
Leader of the Opposition R. Sampanthan accompanied by President Maithripala Sirisena, Chief Justice K. Sripavan, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Minister D.M. Swaminathan enjoyed the dance and musical recitals performed at Temple Trees premises to celebrate Deepavali.
In recent years Deepavali, which means the festival of lights, has gathered momentum internationally with even a celebration held at White House to mark the festival. First Lady Michelle Obama who is in her final days at the prestigious house in Washington as the US Presidential election is round the corner, celebrated the Hindu festival with the Indian community with dance and music.
A Deepavali celebration was also held at No. 10 Downing Street patronized by British Prime Minister, Theresa May, where in her address she outlined that the Deepavali celebration outside India is a celebration to unite all people as one global family.
Excerpts from some of the key aspects of British Prime Minister Theresa May's Deepavali address delivered at Downing Street are as follows: "For me, one of the most remarkable things about this festival is the sheer scale of its reach and the universal appeal of its message.
"Look at India – over a billion people, speaking hundreds of different languages, following various different faiths – united by this festival of light.
"Look at the rest of the world, and the colourful celebrations taking place from Singapore to South Africa, Australia to Nepal.
"And look at Britain, where, people were buying gifts on Leicester's Golden Mile and stringing up lights on Wembley's Ealing Road – all in time for five holy days that are such an important part of our national life.
"When we analyze the true meaning of Deepavali, its relevance extends beyond India, beyond the Indian diaspora and even beyond the Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists who, in different ways, mark the festival. Its messages apply to every single one of us – whatever our background, whatever our faith."
The British Prime Minister's Deepavali message has clearly highlighted the significance of unity and integrity of the people with different racial, religious and regional backgrounds.
The Deepavali celebration which was held at Temple Trees in Colombo last Friday was also of significance in several ways indicating the determination of the leaders of the good governance government in maintaining the unity and integrity towards peace and reconciliation through giving due importance to the festivals of various religions in the country.
The Deepavali celebration at Temple Trees was held a week after the whole of Northern Province staged a massive protest condemning the Police shooting which had led to the deaths of two innocent Jaffna University students.
Though the dark era, haunting the North and the East and the country at large came to an end seven years ago, peace and reconciliation still remain a challenge in the island.
People in the North and the East played a significant role in ousting the previous regime and paving way for good governance. The people in the North and the East have placed their confidence in the present government led by President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe towards fulfilling their political aspirations as well as solving post-war humanitarian issues in the two provinces.
Despite the arduous efforts taken by the present regime to stabilize peace and reconciliation, several unpleasant incidents remain a stumbling block on the path of burying the adverse past.
It was in this backdrop Leader of the Opposition and the Tamil National Alliance Leader R. Sampanthan has placed his confidence in the present government and at the Deepavali celebration at Temple Trees, Sampanthan has said that he was hopeful before next Deepavali festival a durable solution could be reached to the Tamil question in the island.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in his address responding to Sampanthan said that the Leader of the Opposition's expectations will be fulfilled before next Deepavali.
Let us hope the festival of lights will enlighten the leadership of this country to get rid of darker areas in the peace building process and live up to the hope of all peace loving citizens in the country.
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