The Thai Pongal Festival organised to commemorate the Thai Pongal Day, which fell on January 14, was celebrated yesterday with great festivity under the patronage of the Speaker (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne at the Parliament premises. This marks the first-ever Thai Pongal celebration organised by the Parliament of Sri Lanka in its history.
This event was attended by Hindu religious priests, the Deputy Chairperson of Committees Hemali Weerasekara, Leader of the House and Minister Bimal Rathnayake, Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar, other Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera, Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General Chaminda Kularatne, and Assistant Secretary General Hansa Abeyratne, among other distinguished guests.
This celebration was organised following a proposal by Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar and under the guidance of the Speaker. It was supported by the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and its Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs.
The event was designed with several key objectives, including promoting awareness and appreciation of Tamil culture among Members of Parliament and the public, respecting the heritage and traditions of the Tamil community, and fostering an inclusive National identity that recognises and celebrates Sri Lanka’s cultural diversity. The Thai Pongal festival is celebrated with the primary objective of offering the first portion of the harvest to the Sun God as gratitude for providing favourable weather conditions for harvesting and drying crops, as well as expressing appreciation to cattle and livestock for their contributions.
As planned, last morning’s Thai Pongal celebration commenced with religious rituals. The event featured the creation of intricate Kolam designs and the preparation of Pongal rice by boiling milk to symbolise prosperity and gratitude.
Speaking at the event, the Speaker emphasised how the Thai Pongal festival highlights the close connection between humanity and nature. He also noted that the celebration serves as a platform to demonstrate unity and coexistence among all communities.
The Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, addressing the gathering, underscored the importance of overcoming language barriers to foster harmony among all communities. He further expressed hope that this goal could be achieved through the ongoing education reforms.
The event was further enriched by several auspicious dance performances and musical recitals, adding vibrancy to the celebration.
A significant number of participants, including heads and officials of parliamentary departments, ministry representatives, and other distinguished attendees, also joined the occasion to mark this milestone celebration.