Extending his wishes for Christmas, President requests for the creation of a society that treats all human beings equally

Colombo (News 1st): Many Christian devotees all around the world celebrate Christmas Day today, which symbolizes the birth of Jesus Christ. Christian devotees residing in Sri Lanka, as well as those around the world, attended the midnight mass which was held in light of Christmas Day. As the world celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ this Christmas day, its message of peace, love, and joy continues to ring true. 2019 years ago, on a day like today, a bright star shone above the Bethlehem sky. Jesus Christ, who was born to redeem mankind, provided an indescribable service to mankind in saving them from suffering. Therefore, the birth of this figure is celebrated by hundreds and thousands here at home and the world over. This is the manner in which many devotees who gathered at the city of Bethlehem, situated on the West Bank celebrated Christmas Day. His Holiness Pope Francis conducted the traditional Christmas Eve Mass at St.Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. Speaking at the Christmas Eve Mass, His Holiness Pope Francis said, "Christmas reminds us that God continues to love us all, even the worst of us. To me, to you, to each of us, he says today: 'I love you and I will always love you, for you are precious in my eyes." His Holiness Pope Francis also added, "whatever goes wrong in our lives, whatever doesn't work in the Church, whatever problems there are in the world, will no longer serve as an excuse." "God does not love you because you think and act the right way. He loves you, plain and simple. His love is unconditional; it does not depend on you." - His Holiness Pope Francis  Many Christian devotees in the country too celebrated the birth of Christ by attending the Christmas Eve Mass at midnight yesterday (December 24) and the Holy Mass this morning. As this is the first Christmas which is being celebrated following the April 21st attacks, a heavy security presence was observed at all churches in the country. The main Chrismas Eve Mass of the country was held at the St.Sebastian Church in Katuwapitiya, Negombo which is one of three churches attacked on April 21st. The Mass was held under the auspices of Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith. Several people who sustained injuries during the attack which was carried out at the church were also present at the Mass. His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith bestowed blessings upon them during the mass. His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith said:

"Katuwapitiya is not a disaster monument. It is a place that teaches the world a lesson of resilience and endurance. We can smile through the tears. We will never hate those who brought sorrow upon us. To anyone who is behind this, please stop it. Do not let extremism consume your life. Those things do not occur in the name of God. Those happen in the name of satan. Which books requests you to commit such crimes? If it is written anywhere, it is not a religion but a political statement. The scenes I witnessed here on the day of the attack will never fade away from my mind."

Following the conclusion of the Holy Mass, his Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith engaged in conversation with victims who sustained injuries during the April 21st attack. The Christmas Eve Mass at the St. Anthony's Shrine in Kochchikade saw the participation of a large number of devotees. The St. Anthony's Shrine was another church that was rebuilt after falling victim to the April 21st attack. Assistant Bishop of Colombo Rev. Fr. J.D.Anthony conducted the Christmas Eve Mass which was held at the St. Anthony's Church in Kochchikade. Several people who sustained injuries during the attack which was carried out at the church were also present at the Mass. Arrangements were also in place to broadcast the Mass which was conducted in all 3 languages. A live broadcast of the Christmas Eve Mass was aired on Sirasa TV, Shakthi TV and TV1. Another Christmas mass took place at the Zion Church in Batticaloa, another church that was attacked on April 21st. The Mass was conducted by Fr. Roshan Mahesh. Christmas Message of the Bishop of the Anglican Church of Ceylon In his Christmas message, Presiding Bishop of the Anglican Church of Ceylon and Bishop of Colombo Rt. Revd Dhiloraj Canagasabey said "May Sri Lanka be raised from ashes to a great nation that builds its foundation of relationships on human and religious values" The message added "May the Son of God who became Son of Man in Christ Jesus through His birth to mend broken relationships between God and humankind and also broken relationships between human beings, unite this country into one family of one nation transcending all human-made divisions of caste, class, race or religion." President's Christmas Message President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in his message for Christmas this year said, "We must dedicate ourselves with determination to create a better society where all human beings will be treated equally, as shown by Jesus Christ". The President in his Christmas message continued, "At present, there is an environment in the country where citizens can celebrate Christmas without fearful thoughts and suspicion, which is the aspiration of all kind-hearted persons which has become reality and will provide relief for the hearts which are deeply saddened and shaken".

"There is an environment in the country where citizens can celebrate Christmas without fearful thoughts and suspicion". - President

Prime Minister's Christmas Message Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa in his message for Christmas this year requests all Christians in Sri Lanka to exercise their freedom of worship, without allowing extremist forces to succeed in suppressing that freedom.

"I request all Christians in Sri Lanka to exercise their freedom of worship, without allowing extremist forces to succeed in suppressing that freedom". - Prime Minister

The Prime Minister added that the new government is committed to the task of dispelling the darkness of religious terrorism and restoring security and peace to our motherland. Former President's Christmas Message Former president Maithripala Sirisena in his Christmas message said the real message of Christmas is peace, happiness, and compassion.

"Real message of Christmas is peace, happiness and compassion". - Former President Maithripala Sirisena

The former president in his message recalls the commitment he made during his five years in office to create a peaceful society in the country. Sajith Premadasa's Christmas Message  UNP MP Sajith Premadasa in his message for Christmas this year has invited everyone to join together, disregarding their caste and religion, to create the world Jesus Christ wished for.

"I invite everyone to join together, disregarding their caste and religion, to create the world Jesus Christ wished for". - MP Sajith Premadasa