I congratulate Sri Lankans around the world as you celebrate Sinhala and Tamil New Year, and offer my warmest wishes for happy holiday and prosperous New Year.

Every year this celebration brings the hope of new beginnings and fresh promise. The New Year brings with it a new opportunity for all Sri Lankans to join together in the spirit of peace and reconciliation.

On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I am eager to support the Sri Lankan people in this journey as you work to make progress on reconciliation and accountability four years after the end of the conflict which divided your country.

The United States stands ready to partner with Sri Lanka and all Sri Lankans as you deal with these important issues.