Sri Lanka's prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, marked the Hindu festival of Maha Shivarathri telling Hindus on the island to overcome the 'pettiness' of racial and religious disharmony.
"With certain elements striving to create racial and religious disharmony, let us make this a momentous occasion to overcome such pettiness and work towards a constructive engagement with all," Mr Wickremesinghe was quoted by Colombo Page as saying.
"It takes much to achieve freedom, co-existence and equality in challenging times - especially when various attempts are underway to force the country back to dark times."
"While engaging in pious observations, they venerate Lord Shiva on this day and believe that it is both auspicious and sacred. They seek to banish darkness and let the light of hope adorn their lives with reverence. It is also an occasion for pious reflection and introspection."
"With certain elements striving to create racial and religious disharmony, let us make this a momentous occasion to overcome such pettiness and work towards a constructive engagement with all," Mr Wickremesinghe was quoted by Colombo Page as saying.
"It takes much to achieve freedom, co-existence and equality in challenging times - especially when various attempts are underway to force the country back to dark times."
"While engaging in pious observations, they venerate Lord Shiva on this day and believe that it is both auspicious and sacred. They seek to banish darkness and let the light of hope adorn their lives with reverence. It is also an occasion for pious reflection and introspection."