The Official Website of the Royal Family of Jaffna (Sri Lanka)

Arya Cakravarti Dynasty

SINHALA AND TAMIL NEW YEAR MESSAGE ISSUED BY
H.R.H. RAJA REMIGIUS KANAGARAJAH OF JAFFNA

I am pleased to extend my warmest greeting to all Sri Lankans at home and abroad on the occasion of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

May the Sinhala and Tamil New Year that dawns today be peaceful and happy.

Traditionally the Sinhala and Tamil New Year begins on 14 of April every year. The first month of the year is "Bak" in Sinhala and "Chithirai" in Tamil. But the day before the New Year 13 of April is also important because it is observed as the old year. The Sinhala and Tamil New Year has become an important national festival for both the cultures.

In other Southeast Asian Buddhist countries like Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, and the Buddhists in Bangladesh too celebrate the new year at the same time.

The New Year means hope, new beginning, new life, new possibilities and joy & happiness. New Year celebrations are filled with lots of traditional events.

I hope and pray that this New Year brings a new opportunity for all Sri Lankans to join hands and work as a team. We should not allow Sri Lanka to fall apart.

May I wish you all a Happy New Year!

May the Lord Sri Kailasanathar blessing be upon you all!

Rajadhani Nilayam
The Netherlands