(UTV|COLOMBO) – Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa issuing a message to mark Christmas says for Christians around the world, this is a time to celebrate the life and teachings of Jesus Christ — and his message of compassion, courage and empathy.
Prime Minister Rajapaksa said Christmas has also traditionally been a time of good cheer and joyfulness with family gatherings, feasting, the giving of presents and the midnight services in Church adding Christmas has always been a symbol of innocence and joy.
The Prime Minister said Sri Lankan Christians however celebrate Christmas this year in the sombre backdrop of the suicide bombings on Easter Sunday which left hundreds dead and hundreds more injured or maimed for life.
The Prime Minister said this year, Christmas services in Church will be held amidst unprecedented security arrangements due to the situation arising out of the Easter Sunday attacks.
Prime Minister Rajapaksa said though all Christians in Sri Lanka will be marking Christmas under a pall of gloom owing to the barbaric attacks on Easter Sunday, they should be mindful of the words of the Gospel according to St John which says ‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it’.
The Prime Minister said the new government of Sri Lanka is committed to the task of dispelling the darkness of religious terrorism and restoring security and peace to our motherland.
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