It gives me great pleasure to be present on this occasion when all of us in the Sri Lankan community gather together with our friends and well wishers to celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

As all of us are aware the Sinhala and Tamil New Year is of much importance for Sri Lankans. It is a time of harmony and friendship when family and friends set aside any shortcomings and grievances to build ties and strengthen relationship.

In this context, it is our responsibility to inculcate such these traditional values in our younger generation and encourage them to continue our cultural customs. Particularly as we reside away from Sri Lanka it is significant that our children have the opportunity to participate in events of this nature and I thank the President and the Committee members of the Sri Lanka Ranga Kala Kavaya for their endeavors in promoting Sri Lankan culture and tradition.

Over the years, the Ranga Kala Kavaya has been at the forefront of cultural events here in the US and we have all benefited and enjoyed their events. I am also thankful to the Sri Lanka Ranga Kala Kavaya for this opportunity to meet with you on this occasion.

Finally, I would like to conclude by wishing the Sri Lanka Ranga Kala Kavaya success in their future events and to wish all of you, a happy and prosperous New Year! Thank you