“It touched my heart” - Northern Chief Minister Wigneswaran

From Ceylon Today - BY Sulochana Ramiah Mohan

Singing the National Anthem in Tamil at Independence celebrations at Galle Face has tugged strongly at Northern Chief Minister Wigneswaran's heartstrings, so much so, that it inexplicably led him to visit the Naga Viharaya on the Independence Day.He visited the Naga Vihayara in the Jaffna Peninsula on Independence Day to invoke blessings on the country, especially because the strains of the National anthem sung in Tamil at the Galle Face Independence Day celebrations after more than five decades, wafted across the entire nation.

While at the Temple he told the Tamil media that he welcomed the efforts taken by the government to sing the National Anthem in Tamil too on Independence Day and that it touched the hearts of all Tamils.

"I am personally happy today", he said, adding that the Sinhalese and the Tamils are brethren and that is the good news that can now be voiced abroad.

"I came to Naga Viharaya to invoke blessings, celebrate and express my happiness."

"I have been wanting to visit the Naga Viharaya for some time now but never got the opportunity. Today, however, I grabbed this opportunity to come here mainly to express my joy at hearing the National Anthem being sung in Tamil.

"Lord Buddha's love and kindness should be reflected in every citizen of this country and a new era should begin...this is my wish for everyone," he added.

He also recalled that TNA leader R. Sampanthan was also celebrating his birthday on Independence day and he invoked blessings on him too.