<span style="color: #222222;">In Sri Lanka, the festival of Maha Shivratri is being celebrated by Hindu Tamils with traditional fervor and gaiety. People were seen queuing up outside temples to offer their prayers and rituals to Lord Shiva. There are five Shiva temples in different parts of the country which are associated with the Ramayana period and these temples are attractions of thousands of devotees.<br />'' <br />'' Government and business offices observe the holiday on the occasion. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in his message said he join with all Sri Lankan Hindu devotees who are dedicating themselves to celebrate the Maha Sivarathri festival which signifies dispelling the darkness of ignorance with the light of knowledge and understanding.<br />'' <br />'' He added that Tamil brothers and sisters are also among the Sri Lankans who live with hope and aspiration believing in a new tomorrow. Prime minister Mahinda Rajapksa in his message conveyed his greetings and wished good fortune, prosperity and peace to all.</span><br />