The Deepavali festival, celebrated with devotion by Hindus around the world, is being observed today (October 20) in remembrance of Lord Vishnu’s triumph over the demon Narakasura — a symbol of righteousness prevailing over unrighteousness. Devotees mark the occasion through religious observances and prayers for the dispelling of darkness and the spreading of light in every heart.
In his Deepavali message, the President emphasised that the festival signifies the victory of goodness over evil, drawing parallels to the government’s ongoing efforts to confront and overcome the serious challenges facing the nation — including the menace of drugs and organised crime that hinder national progress.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens, residents, and visitors, safeguarding their physical, mental, material, and emotional welfare. The message also underscored the resolve to eliminate religious and ethnic extremism, promote social justice, and build a secure nation where every individual can enjoy their rights and dignity without obstruction.
“Deepavali is, above all, a festival of light,” the President stated. “As every household glows with lamps today, may our collective journey toward ‘A Thriving Nation, A Beautiful Life’ become ever more united.”
Extending his warmest wishes to all Hindus in Sri Lanka and abroad, the President wished for a blessed and radiant Deepavali, filled with the light of hope, harmony, and renewal.
Full Text of President’s Deepavali Festival message:
The Deepavali festival, celebrated with great devotion by Hindus around the world, is celebrated today (20). In remembrance of Lord Vishnu’s defeat of the demon Narakasura, devotees engage in religious observances while praying that, as righteousness triumphed over unrighteousness, darkness in everyone’s hearts may be dispelled and light spread throughout.
This celebration symbolises the victory of goodness over evil. Currently, our government is undertaking substantial initiatives to address the serious challenges confronting our nation, including the pervasive threat of drug menace and organised crimes, which obstruct our nation’s progress. Ensuring the right of every citizen to live safely and promoting this right as fundamental to a good and healthy life remains the primary aim of our endeavours.
Furthermore, as a government, we are committed to safeguarding the physical, mental, material, and emotional well-being not only of our citizens but of all residents and visitors in the country. We emphasise that we act to overcome all religious and ethnic extremism, to establish social justice and to build a safe nation where every individual can freely enjoy all civil, political and cultural rights without hindrance and where the freedom and dignity of all are preserved.
Deepavali is, above all, a festival of light. On this day, as every household illuminates itself with lamps, we pray that the collective path towards fulfilling the hopes for “A Thriving Nation, A Beautiful Life” may become ever more united. I extend my warmest wishes for a blessed and radiant Deepavali to all Sri Lankan and overseas Hindus, hoping that their hearts may shine with the spirit of the festival.”
