However we should understand the message cloaked in this cruel act of Nature. The loud message is that man should not be confined to boundaries of race, religion, class and caste. Nature metes out even treatment to all. At this moment we are humbled by this natural calamity. The determination of every Sri Lankan to raise their heads through tears and sorrow is laudable. Let the dawn of 2005 give us strength and courage to face the challenges posed by this natural disaster.

Let us sink all man-made barriers of ethnicity, religion, class and caste and unite to rebuild a single nation and show the outside world that we are capable of rising united to face any calamity and emerge victorious.

Our country with a heritage of over 2500 years has faced many a challenge in the past. I believe that we are capable of facing this challenge as well.

As we have pledged at Adhisthana Puja yesterday, the last day of 2004, let us the Sinhalese, the Tamils and the Muslims unite as one, to share our joys and sorrows in the future.This is a fine opportunity for us to look at the ethnic struggle from a new perspective and realize the need for a new approach for a permanent solution. Let us give serious thought to creating a new environment suitable for all communities and religious groups to live in a united Sri Lanka, as one nation, with equal rights, while preserving our individual identities. If wisdom prevails and all political parties grasp this reality, we Sri Lankans could live in a united Sri Lanka.

Let us learn from this disastrous experience and unite to build a new nation.

I wish Sri Lanka unity in the New Year!

Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga