The Sri Lanka High Commission in Singapore celebrated Thai Pongal, which is the harvest festival, and is one of the foremost religious and cultural festivals celebrated by the Tamil community across the globe, at the High Commission premises on 26 January 2021.
Vice Chairman of the Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple K. Jeyaseelan and Secretary-General of the Singapore Ceylon Tamils Association M.Lukshumayeh participated at the event as special guests.
Speaking on the occasion, High Commissioner Sashikala Premawardhane quoted excerpts from President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s Thai Pongal message where he stated that the sole objective of the Government was to usher in prosperity to all Sri Lankans irrespective of racial or religious differences. In the President’s message it was further stated that paying gratitude is a hallmark of Sri Lankan society, and the Thai Pongal festival which dedicates the first harvest to the sun symbolizes the values that our society cherishes since time immemorial. As such Thai Pongal has become an integral part of the national culture.
The High Commissioner further stated that the Sri Lankan Tamil community has contributed tremendously to the growth of independent Singapore and have been exemplary representatives of Sri Lanka in this country and took occasion to pay tribute to the community for their contributions.
The Chief Priest Sabesan Kurukkal of Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple, conducting the traditional Hindu religious observances, blessed the President, Prime Minister, the government and the people of Sri Lanka and the High Commission staff.
Traditional sweetmeats, including Pongal were served at the end of the event.
Sri Lanka High Commission
Singapore
28 January 2021
