Happy Avurudu from US President Biden

The Sinhala and Tamil new year dawned in Sri Lanka with a surprise. In the morning hours the  US President Joe Biden has wished a “happy Aluth Avurudda” and happy Tamil New Year to Sri Lankans.

 

The US president spoke in a number of Asian lqnguages and this is the first time  a US head of state has taken the trouble to wish Sri Lankans in Sinhala. The new US president has clearly indicated that he is interested in cultural diplomacy.

 

He made his comments on Face book.

 

President Joe Biden

"Jill and I send our warmest wishes to the many South Asian and Southeast Asian communities celebrating Vaisakhi, Navratri, and the incoming New Year across the country this week. Happy Aluth Avurudda, Happy Bihu, Happy Cheti Chand, Happy Gudi Padwa, Happy Khmer New Year, Happy Navreh, Happy Pohela Boishakh, Happy Pana Sankranti, Happy Pi Mai, Happy Puthandu, Happy Rongali Bihu, Happy Songkran, Happy Tamil New Year, Happy Ugadi," and Happy Vishu! In this season of hope, we are wishing this New Year brings you and your families prosperity and light.