The Thai Pongal Festival organized to commemorate the Thai Pongal Day, which fell on the 14th, was celebrated today with great festivity under the patronage of the Hon. Speaker (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratneat at the Parliament premises. This marks the first-ever Thai Pongal celebration organized by the Parliament of Sri Lanka in its history.
This event was attended by Hindu religious priests, the Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees Hemali Weerasekara, Hon. Leader of the House and Minister Bimal Rathnayake, Hon. Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Hon. Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar, other Hon. Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Hon. Members of Parliament, Secretary General of Parliament Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General Chaminda Kularatne, and Assistant Secretary General Hansa Abeyratne, among other distinguished guests.
This celebration was organized following a proposal by the Hon. Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar and under the guidance of the Hon. Speaker. It was supported by the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and its Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs.
The event was designed with several key objectives, including promoting awareness and appreciation of Tamil culture among Hon. Members of Parliament and the public, respecting the heritage and traditions of the Tamil community, and fostering an inclusive national identity that recognizes and celebrates Sri Lanka’s cultural diversity.
The Thai Pongal festival is celebrated with the primary objective of offering the first portion of the harvest to the Sun God as gratitude for providing favorable weather conditions for harvesting and drying crops, as well as expressing appreciation to cattle and livestock for their contributions.
Accordingly, this morning’s Thai Pongal celebration commenced with religious rituals. The event featured the creation of intricate Kolam designs and the preparation of Pongal rice by boiling milk to symbolize prosperity and gratitude.
Speaking at the event, the Hon. Speaker emphasized how the Thai Pongal festival highlights the close connection between humanity and nature. He also noted that the celebration serves as a platform to demonstrate unity and coexistence among all communities.
The Hon. Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, addressing the gathering, underscored the importance of overcoming language barriers to foster harmony among all communities. He further expressed hope that this goal could be achieved through the ongoing education reforms.
The event was further enriched by several auspicious dance performances and musical recitals, adding vibrancy to the celebration.
A significant number of participants, including heads and officials of parliamentary departments, ministry representatives, and other distinguished attendees, joined the occasion to mark this milestone celebration.
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