President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his Christmas message, highlighted the government’s commitment to the values and teachings of Jesus Christ—fostering peace, justice, and humanity.
In a statement issued on the occasion of Christmas, the President emphasized the significance of unity and collective responsibility as Sri Lanka embarks on a journey of social and economic transformation. Below is the full text of his Christmas message:
Christmas Greetings
“Christmas, the day Jesus Christ was born, is celebrated with great joy by Christians all over the world. Jesus Christ, who was born to save everyone from suffering, never looked at people with the eyes of the rich and the poor. On the day He was born into this world as a child of God, He chose to be born among the shepherds, who were an extremely poor and innocent community of people, and that is why the angels brought the good news to them.
Therefore, the underlying meaning of Christmas is to put aside differences and work in the name of humanity, in harmony and peace. It is with great joy that we celebrate Christmas, which brings the message of peace, in a context where the true meaning of Christmas is peace.
We have reached a time when all sections of the community have come together as one, with a common purpose and a collective responsibility, for the future of the country. We are enjoying the glow of a new dawn dawning on a land bound by the bonds of peace and harmony. That glow is the glow of love that Jesus brought to us. We experience that our country is gradually transforming into a land of brothers and sisters where peace reigns, dispelling the darkness of division.
Jesus became sacred because of his struggle based on human freedom and justice. We, as a government, are committed to making his guidance a reality in the present, appreciating that human freedom and justice.
The social transformation that Sri Lanka needs today is a massive social transformation. It is a total social transformation that goes beyond the transformation of one or a few fields that is to take place after 76 years of independence. It is a renaissance.
We, the thousands of people who have gathered around our government, who are working with great dedication, patience, restraint, unyielding courage and relentless effort for that national renaissance, will not allow the hopes of the people to be shattered in any way, and we will dedicate ourselves with even greater vigor and determination to the sole purpose of creating the “rich country – beautiful life” they desire.
Although the social system has forced selfish and harmful competition, it is the decision we, as citizens, must make at this moment to develop the human qualities that are proclaimed at Christmas, to respect equality, to appreciate brotherhood and coexistence, and to lead that social system towards a good and happy society.
Let us all resolve on this great Christmas to dedicate ourselves to creating a strong, stable economy, a genuine populist political culture aimed at social justice, and a beautiful country full of humanity and freedom.
I wish all Sri Lankans and all Christians around the world a Merry Christmas!
Anura Kumara Dissanayake
President
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
The President’s message reflects the government’s vision for a united Sri Lanka, emphasizing that the spirit of Christmas—peace, love, and coexistence—should guide the nation’s journey. President Dissanayake reiterated the importance of embracing human freedom, justice, and equality to achieve a stable economy and a harmonious society.
As Sri Lanka continues to face challenges, the President called for collective resolve and steadfast dedication to build a prosperous and peaceful future for all its citizens.
