<span style="color: #222222;">In Sri Lanka, the Sinhala and Tamil New year is being celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety today. People observe rituals at an auspicious time and greet their families and friends. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">A variety of traditional games and community gatherings are organized to mark the occasion. The cultural history of the Sinhala and Hindu New Year dates back to ancient times in history associated with the richness of the harvest season. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">President, Prime minister and other dignitaries have greeted people on the occasion. President Maithripala Sirisena in his message said the new year which approaches with the annual transition of the sun, is a time of celebration of the timeless link between the environment, nature and the man. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Prime Minister Ranil Wickremsinghe said the New Year enlivens the closeness between people and nature and have been focused to build up invaluable human virtues namely love, care brotherhood and unity. </span><br />''