Maha Siva Rathri signifies the banishment of ignorance and the accumulation of knowledge. It is a significant day not only to Hindus but to those belonging to all faiths and communities, Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne said in a Maha Siva Rathri message.

The message added: "It is with much pleasure that I send this message of greetings on the occasion of Maha Siva Rathri Day, where Hindus the world over fast. Maha Siva Rathri Day celebrated by worshiping deities and fasting, can be defined as a day, on which expectations of not only Hindu devotees but also all Sri Lankans will become fruitful.

"Maha Siva Rathri Day which Hindu devotees celebrate by observing rituals, lighting lamps and singing Bhajans can be defined as a noble day which helps abandon the ignorance, be knowledgeable and defeat the sinful senses of lust, fury, desire and hatred.

"Expectations of all people living in Sri Lanka who belong to the five ethnic groups of Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher and Malay and to four religions of Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Islam will come to be realised when they live in harmony and unity irrespective of caste, creed, party or colour.

"When we study historical books such as Wrig, Yajur, Sama, Atharwan and religious legends, it is crystal clear that one's inner purity is more important than outer (physical) purity. Accordingly, all religious teachers had clearly and properly preached the importance of spiritual development over that of physical development irrespective of one's caste or creed.

"The government under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa has launched massive development projects for the physical development of the country while introducing a sustainable spiritual development program to create a knowledgeable society with high morals. The main objective of this program is to forge a strong unity between the five ethnic groups leading to a strong nation.

"May this Maha Siva Rathri Day be a noble day which fades away all ignorance and enlighten the wisdom. I wish all Hindus a peaceful Maha Siva Rathri Day."

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A day signifying knowledge and enlightenment - PM