Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya in her ThaiPongal day message, called upon all Sri Lankans to build a new Sri Lanka upholding harmony, noble qualities such as mutual respect and the protection of the religious and cultural rights of others.

The full text of the PM’s message:

“I extend my heartfelt greetings to the Tamil people in Sri Lanka and abroad who celebrate the ThaiPongal festival, marking a pride tradition that expresses gratitude for the dignity of labour and the protection bestowed by nature.

This noble festivity manifests the world the inseparable bond between human life and nature. We are all creations of nature. There is no path we can take in defiance of nature or beyond it. In that sense, showing respect and gratitude in return for the blessings we receive from nature can be regarded as one of the highest human virtues.

As a nation, we stand today at a decisive turning point. We bear the collective responsibility of steering the country towards a “new era of revival” by bringing about a transformation in attitudes through policy and structural reforms. As a government we have accepted this responsibility and embarked with determination on a new year dedicated to the advancement of our nation even amidst numerous challenges,

As the saying goes, “We can place rice on our plate only if the farmer steps into the mud,” the commitment we make today for the future prosperity of the country is akin to preparing fertile fields in anticipation of a bountiful harvest. This ThaiPongal festival, which honours and expresses gratitude to nature, serves as a guiding light in nurturing citizens enriched with cultural values.

On this ThaiPongal Day, let us all resolve together to build a new Sri Lanka upholding harmony, noble qualities such as mutual respect and the protection of the religious and cultural rights of others.

I sincerely extend my wishes that all the hopes and aspirations of the Tamil people celebrating ThaiPongal may be fulfilled, and that this new beginning may bring happiness and prosperity to everyone.”

The Executive Committee of the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) has set a 10-day deadline for the NPP government to implement the agreement reached between them and Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa recently.

The GMOA yesterday (14) declared that the decision to launch a countrywide strike on 23 January had been taken at the EC meeting held on Tuesday (13).

GMOA Secretary Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa said his Association had resorted to trade union action in the recent past against the failure on the part of the government to address their grievances through the 2026 Budget. However, the GMOA called off such trade union action after Dr. Jayatissa, in writing, assured that the Cabinet approval would be obtained to create a special category of public service as Sri Lanka Health Service to accommodate all categories of doctors and increase the doctors’ DAT (Disturbance, Availability, & Transport) allowance, resolve transport issues in terms of the 22/99 circular, transform additional allowance to a permanent allowance and resolve issues surrounding the research allowance.

The GMOA blamed Minister Jayatissa and the Health Ministry for the developing situation. (SF)