I am delighted to convey my greetings and good wishes to all those who are celebrating the Thai Pongal throughout Sri Lanka and abroad on Tuesday.

Being my maiden Thai Pongal message to the nation as Governor of the Western Province,  I feel happier and more honored to pass on my sincere greetings on this auspicious day to all those who participate in the festival.

The Thai Pongal festival celebration is believed to have started more than 1000 years ago. Thai Pongal is a harvest festival which is celebrated by Hindhus. It is also a festival that highlights  the importance of agriculture which provides rice and other food products to the people.

On the day of the festival, it is a tradition that sweet rice meal is made, dedicated to the sun god, and then consumed by families in festive meals. The rice is boiled in milk, along with spices, raisins, cashews, and various other ingredients. The cooking is done outside in the sunlight, and is normally done on a porch or in a courtyard. The cooking pot is made of clay and is decorated with colourful patterns. The final product is served up on banana leaves and can be either very sweet or very savoury.

 As you celebrate the festival of Pongal, with a lot of fervor and cheers, this warm greeting comes your way, with a world of good wishes for every joy and happiness.

Pray and hope that this festival marks the beginning of a harvest season, that  is happy and cheerful and one which brings with it good luck and prosperity to everyone of you.