The message reads, in part:
“The White Month Holiday, which marks the New Year according to the lunar calendar, derives from beautiful, ancient traditions that have become an integral part of the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of our multinational country. It stands for purity of thought and deed, renewal and prosperity. The holiday symbolises a person’s love for his or her native land and its holy places.
I am pleased to see that Buddhist religious organisations actively participate in our country’s life, make significant contributions to improving the spiritual, moral and patriotic education of our young people, and promote interfaith dialogue. And of course their activities are essential to maintaining peace between nationalities and civic harmony in society as a whole.”