Greeting the people on the occasion of Maha Shivratri, the President called for peace and amity amongst the people of the Island nation.

"May their prayers and expectations for a better tomorrow be fulfilled, and may every lamp they light on this day enrich them spiritually, enhance their understanding and stronger unity among all our people," he said.

Rajapakse also said devotion aims at dispelling ignorance and to overcome anger and hatred.

"The aim of all this devotion is the dispelling of ignorance and the search for knowledge to overcome the evil tendencies of lust, anger, greed, infatuation, jealousy and hatred, and seek peace and harmony both in their lives and in society," he said.

The President said many rituals were associated with this festival, including fasting, night-long vigil at temples, making of offerings to Lord Shiva, the lighting of lamps and singing hymns.

According to Hindu mythology, Shiva, one of the holy trinity along with Vishnu and Brahma, married Parvati on this day.