Symbolizes victory of good over evil - President

(October 17, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Deepavali known as the Festival of Light, symbolizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

Celebrated by Hindus the world over, Deepavali marks the progress that humans have made in the constant struggle for a better life in keeping with the great spiritual values of Hinduism. It is in this sense a celebration of the spiritual prosperity of people, too.

Today our society is able to celebrate this great festival with a spirit of unity that is marked by the increased harmony and understanding among all our people, irrespective of ethnic, religious and other differences that have kept them apart for a long period.

As the Hindus of Sri Lanka, join their fellow believers the world over in the joyous spirit of Deepavali, we are now at the threshold of a new era, where the suffering faced by the Hindu community will be a thing of the past; and they could all look forward to living in peace and harmony in the comfort and tranquillity of their own homes.

May the light of goodwill and peace dispel the darkness of terror and hatred that prevailed in our land.

I wish all Hindu devotees a happy and peaceful Deepavali, President Rajapaksa said in this Deepavali message.

-Sri Lanka Guardian