President, PM and Opposition Leader extends Deepavali wishes

COLOMBO (News 1st); The President, Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader extended their Deepavali wishes to all Sri Lankans commemorating the festival today (04). The Deepavali festival commemorates the defeat of the Demon Naragasooran, by Lord Vishnu, according to ancient folklore. It is further written in ancient folklore that the demon requested lord Vishnu to help all those in the world see the light similar to how he did now. Hindu devotees light up the night such days, praying that the lives of all would also be enlightened through it. The lighting of lamps to depict the victory of good over evil is yet another tradition of Deepavali festival. Hindu devotees, who also light ghee oil lamps in Kovils to remember their deceased loved ones, also celebrate the event by eating sweet meats. The prayer of all Hindus during Deepavali, is that Dharma will triumph and contribute to a prosperous future. The President, Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader also added their wishes for Deepavali festival. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in his message to mark the occasion, wished all Hindus of Sri Lanka and the world happiness, prosperity, wealth and divine energy through the energy of the Pancha-yatana that enters the universe with Deepaavali. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, in his message said, ''May this Deepavali Day mark the beginning of a better future for all Sri Lankans as a prosperous nation, fulfilling the wishes of all.'' Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, wishing the people a Happy Deepavali, wished for the evil including the COVID-19 pandemic which is spreading across the world today, to be defeated.