Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has sent his greeting to the Chinese government and its people for the Chinese New Year which falls on Feb. 8.

“It is with great pleasure that I extend my warm good wishes to everyone celebrating the Chinese New Year in the People’s Republic of China and around the world,” Sirisena said.

“The celebration of the Chinese New Year is steeped in history, tradition and custom and is the most important celebration for the Chinese people in many parts of the world.”

The Sri Lankan President added that several events had been organized by the Chinese Embassy in Colombo to celebrate the New Year in Sri Lanka.

He further extended hope that the Year of the Monkey would bring joy, prosperity, good fortune and long life to everyone celebrating the grand festival.

The Chinese New Year is the most important festival in China, which marks the end of winter and the start of spring.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday said that he hoped to renew and strengthen the relations between China and Sri Lanka this year.

In a message sent to Xinhua, greeting the people of China for the Chinese New Year which falls on Feb. 8 this year, Wickremesinghe said that he was pleased to offer his greetings for a peaceful and prosperous New Year to the Chinese people on behalf of all Sri Lankans.

“May we truly be able to renew and strengthen the warm and cordial relations between China and Sri Lanka this New Year, as always,” Wickremesinghe said.

The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important holiday in China. Sri Lanka also has organized several events to celebrate the grand festival.

Source: Xinhua

-Agencies