Matthew says: “I'd like to send my best wishes to everyone in my constituency celebrating Aluth Avurudda and to all Tamils celebrating Puthandu. Tamil and Sinhalese communities play an important and positive role in our local neighbourhoods and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank them for their contribution. 

I'm sure many people celebrating today will be thinking of loved ones overseas, especially in Sri Lanka. On my visit there 18 months ago I was touched by the resilience of its people and by the warm welcome I received, which was only matched by the country's stunning beauty.

I hope that this New Year will bring communities closer together in helping to heal the wounds of the past.

To everyone celebrating Puthandu and Aluth Avurudda, I wish you a very happy and prosperous New Year.”