Sri Lanka, Nov. 8 -- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has extended his Deepavali greetings to Hindu devotees in Sri Lanka and across the world, calling for greater unity, compassion and coexistence.

In his Deepavali message issued on November 6, the President said the festival symbolised the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

Referring to the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, he said the festival reminded people of the importance of righteousness and the triumph of goodness over evil.

He said the true meaning of Deepavali went beyond lighting oil lamps in homes, stressing that it should also kindle love, compassion, brotherhood and humanity in people's hearts.

The President said the festiv...