President Maithripala Sirisena says that all Sri Lankans must work together to rid the country of poverty and develop the nation as a whole.

Issuing his message for the new year,  the president noted that we must be prepared to face natural disasters that may occur in the future.

Issuing a message for the New Year, Premier Ranil Wickramasinghe says that all Sri Lankans must support efforts to build a stable economy and achieve reconciliation.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan says that the new year that has dawned will be a historic one.

Issuing a communique,  the opposition leader noted that all Sri Lankans must set aside differences in race, cast, creed and religion –  and unite as one to build the country.