<span style="color: #222222;">In Sri Lanka, the festival of Deepavali is being celebrated by Hindu Tamils and expat Indians with traditional fervor and gaiety. People are seen visiting the temples and greeting their friends and relatives.<br />'' <br />'' President Maithripala Sirisena in his message on the occasion said that such cultural events bring about reconciliation and mutual understanding among society. He added that the lights in Deepavali make the way to gain the victory of knowledge over ignorance.<br />'' <br />'' Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in a message said the nation must stand together and foster peace, harmony and reconciliation for national progress. He said the clay lamps that Hindus across the world light in their homes on Deepavali symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness and represent the victory of virtue over evil, and of freedom over slavery.<br />'' <br />''Leader of the Opposition Mahinda Rajapaksa said the festival of Deepavali emphasizes a quest for a greater understanding between communities tearing down walls that keep people apart.</span>