In Sri Lanka, the Sinhala & Tamil New Year is being celebrated with traditional fervor and gaiety. The four – day festival which began today, is celebrated by people of both majority Buddhist and minority Hindu faith. People greet family members and friends on the occasion and visit temples to carry out various rituals.<br/>'<br/>Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena in his message said that New year serves as a catalyst to change attitudes for bringing some fresh thinking. He called upon people to show determination for building a country where reconciliation and coexistence are given pride of place while making the victories achieved more meaningful. <br/>'<br/>Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the New Year brings a message of prosperity and unity to the nation and is an occasion that strengthens the ties between the Sinhalese and the Tamils. He said the festival acknowledges the role of the Sun in the agrarian society and its blessings towards a greater harvest.