New Year Must Mark Stronger Commitment to People-Centred Policies: Premadasa
14-Apr-2026.
The dawn of a New Year signifies correcting past mistakes and stepping forward into a new beginning. Accordingly, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated that in the year ahead, full commitment will be made towards a sustainable programme of action to empower the people through long-term solutions, rather than short-term remedies, to overcome the prevailing economic crisis.
He expressed these views in his New Year greeting message issued to mark the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
The message further states:
The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of our most significant cultural festivals. The foundation of any cultural celebration is built upon its spiritual, ethical, cultural, and recreational values. The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, through all these elements, has bestowed upon us the inheritance of a proud tradition. It is our duty to safeguard this heritage and preserve it for future generations.
If, in the process of protecting such a heritage, actions are taken that create uncertainty within society, or if the Government fails to handle such incidents appropriately, it amounts to neglecting the Government’s responsibility to protect our cultural heritage. The manner in which the Government intervened in the recent controversy surrounding the auspicious time of the New Year raises serious questions about its concern for the values of our culture.
The dawn of the New Year signifies correcting past mistakes and stepping into a new year. It is no secret that the people of the country faced numerous challenges during the past year. Under severe economic pressure, people from all walks of life are continuing their daily lives without peace of mind. In such a situation, what is needed is not short-term solutions, but empowering the people through long-term measures. I wish to convey that we will be fully dedicated to a sustainable plan of action in the year that is dawning.
Guided by the great lesson of harmony quietly taught by the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, we will dedicate ourselves towards achieving reconciliation and unity.
