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We have entered an era of renaissance, where the aspirations of the people, which were suppressed by past rulers, are finally coming to the forefront -President
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his Diwali message said that we have entered an era of renaissance, where the aspirations of the people, which were suppressed by past rulers, are finally coming to the forefront and added that the people of Sri Lanka have been searching for light in the dark for decades after gaining independence
The full text of the President’s message:
“Hindu devotees around the world celebrate Diwali with great devotion, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. This festival represents hope, joy, and the triumph of good over evil, bringing communities together in a spirit of unity and celebration.
In Sri Lanka, the people have been searching for light in the dark for decades after gaining independence. Now, fresh hope is emerging as the realization of their long-held hopes. We have entered an era of renaissance, where the aspirations of the people, which were suppressed by past rulers, are finally coming to the forefront.
Several legends inspire the celebration of Diwali. Among them is the return of King Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana to Ayodhya after their fourteen year exile. Another story is the defeat of the Asura Narakasura by Lord Vishnu. These significant events are remembered and honoured by Hindu devotees during this vibrant festival.
Only the light of science can dispel the darkness of ignorance. Therefore, I urge everyone to light the Diwali of wisdom this year. Let this Diwali be a precious occasion for Sri Lankans to embrace a new way of thinking, fostering enlightenment and progress for all.
Let us appreciate the beauty of cultural diversity by extending respect, acceptance, and brotherhood toward one another. The time has come for the Sri Lankan nation, which has faced attempts at division and weakening, to stand undivided and strong. By rooting out injustice, discrimination, marginalization, hate speech, and violence, we can lead the way in ending the political culture that creates divisions and fosters inequality between the privileged and the underprivileged.
I invite everyone to join in creating a new cultural existence that embodies compassion and critical thought. This Diwali, I emphasize the importance of a cultural, political, and attitudinal transformation if we are to realize our hope of a prosperous country and a fulfilling life for all.
On this day of Diwali, just as the light of countless lamps illuminates homes and cities, may the light of harmony and wisdom spread in the hearts of everyone.
Latest News
Iran strikes Qatar and Saudi energy sites as US jets shot down by Kuwaiti ‘friendly fire’
New Iranian strikes have been reported on a major gas plant in Qatar and in Saudi Arabia, where an oil refinery fire is “under control”
The price of gas on international markets has risen sharply – at one point up 42%.
The US and Israel struck Iran on Saturday, killing the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Israeli military has launched new strikes on Tehran, but the US defense secretary says there will not be “endless war”.
In Kuwait, several US fighter planes have crashed, in what the US military says was “an apparent friendly fire incident” – one plane plummeting to the ground was caught on film.
Meanwhile, the US says a fourth member of its military was killed in Iran’s initial attacks. – it did not say where
The Lebanese health ministry says Israeli attacks in Beirut and southern Lebanon killed at least 31 people – Israel says it was responding to Hezbollah attacks
And in Cyprus, two drones heading for a UK base were intercepted, after an earlier attack on Sunday.
[BBC]
India and Canada’s prime ministers have agreed a number of accords, including a long-term deal to supply uranium to India
After talks in Delhi, Mark Carney said he and Narendra Modi had agreed to conclude an economic partnership agreement by the end of this year. The two leaders are attempting to reset ties that have been strained since 2023 when then PM Justin Trudeau said there were “credible allegations” linking India to the killing of a Sikh separatist leader on Canadian soil
Under Carney, Canada has sought to rebuild engagement with India amid tariff pressure from its largest trading partner, the United States
On Monday, Modi and Carney also agreed to co-operate in areas like critical minerals, clean energy, space and higher education
[BBC]
Global oil prices have risen after at least three ships were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran continues to launch strikes across the Middle East in response to ongoing attacks by the US and Israel.
Two vessels have been struck, and an “unknown projectile” was reported to have “exploded in very close proximity” to a third, the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO) said.
Iran has warned ships not to pass through the strait, which carries about 20% of the world’s oil and gas.
International shipping has almost come to a standstill at the strait’s entrance, with analysts warning that a prolonged conflict could push energy prices even higher.
In early trade in Asia on Monday, global oil prices jumped by more than 10% before those gains eased during the morning.
At 02:00 GMT, Brent crude was more than 4% higher at $76.16 (£56.53) a barrel, while US-traded oil was also up by around 4% at $69.67.
“The market isn’t panicking”, Saul Kavonic, head of energy research at MST Research told the BBC.
“There is more clarity that so far, oil transport and production infrastructure hasn’t been a primary target by any side,” he added.
“The market will be watching for signs that traffic through the Strait of Hormuz returns, which would see oil prices subside again.”
But some analysts have warned it could go over $100 in the event of a prolonged conflict.
On Sunday, the Opec+ group of oil producing nations – which includes Saudi Arabia and Russia – agreed to increase their output by 206,000 barrels a day to help cushion any price rises, but some experts doubt this would help much.
Edmund King, president of the AA, warned the disruption could drive up petrol prices around the world.
“The turmoil and bombing across the Middle East will surely be a catalyst to disrupt oil distribution globally, which will inevitably lead to price hikes,” he said.
“The magnitude and duration of pump price increases depends on how long the conflict goes on.”
Iran strikes Qatar and Saudi energy sites as US jets shot down by Kuwaiti ‘friendly fire’
India and Canada agree series of deals as Carney and Modi reset ties in Delhi
Oil prices rise after ships attacked near Strait of Hormuz
War photographer Paul Conroy dies as tributes paid
Allies of US in the Gulf bear brunt of Iran attacks
Dry weather will prevail in most parts of the island
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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