Sri Lanka's Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, said Tuesday that the festival of Maha Shiva Rathri, which is celebrated across South Asia, will open the door to eliminate hatred.
In his message, Wickremesinghe said the celebration is meant to drive away darkness with the light of knowledge as also to build unity and togetherness in society.
"Today, we are experiencing a new political culture which has created a feeling of brotherhood among all the nationalities, who live in our country, in harmony. Tonight, we are celebrating the 'Maha Shiva Rathri' depicting the conciliation which will open the door to eliminate hatred and confrontations which would pave the way for peaceful co - existence," Wickremesinghe was quoted by the Colombo Page web site, as saying.
The Prime Minister wished Hindu devotees and urged them to conduct the festival in a meaningful manner.