Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has said in his annual Christmas message that he sends his “warmest good wishes […] to all Christians in Sri Lanka”.

"In this season of loving and giving, Christians seek to break the barriers that divide people, whether by race, ethnicity, religion, caste, wealth or social status.

“The message Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all that came with the first Christmas has relevance to the world today as it faces increasing challenges of hatred, terror, national rivalry, economic crisis, climate change and food insecurity. The prayers of Christians in this Season of Goodwill seek to ease the burdens of society with the love that is re-kindled with the Nativity of Jesus Christ.

“Sharing the hope in these prayers, I send my warmest good wishes for a Christmas full of joy, peace and goodwill to all Christians in Sri Lanka."

2013 has seen continuous attacks by Buddhist monks on Christians and churches on the island.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay told the Human Rights Council in September that she was alarmed at the upsurge in violence against religious minorities.

“Regrettably, government interlocutors seemed to downplay this issue or even put the blame on minority communities themselves, and (we) heard disturbing accounts of state patronage or protection given to extremist groups,” Pillay said.

For more on Sri Lankan warm wishes to Christians, including one that set alight a church, see below. 

Buddhist monks released on bail after attacks on churches (13 Sep 2013)

Buddhist monks police Colombo (16 Jun 2013)

Christian shrine found destroyed in Jaffna (07 Jun 2013)

Discrimination against non-Buddhist religions in Sri Lanka - US report (21 May 2013)

Attacks on Christians on increase in SL - Charity (01 Apr 2013)