I’m thinking of 2005,…

I'm thinking of 2005, when Karina and I celebrated New Year's in Nuwara Eliya. There was a carnival, and children with sparklers, laughing. Someday, I hope I can take Kevin and our children there.

We'll be celebrating on Sunday, but it's the start of New Year's in Sri Lanka now, so let me take this opportunity to wish everyone on the island my very best hopes for a peaceful year. From the diaspora, love and hope and memory, always.

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via Amarnath Amarasingam:

Following is the full statement issued by Secretary of State John Kerry:

"I congratulate Sri Lankans around the world as you celebrate Sinhala and Tamil New Year, and offer my warmest wishes for happy holiday and prosperous New Year.

Every year this celebration brings the hope of new beginnings and fresh promise. The New Year brings with it a new opportunity for all Sri Lankans to join together in the spirit of peace and reconciliation.

On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I am eager to support the Sri Lankan people in this journey as you work to make progress on reconciliation and accountability four years after the end of the conflict which divided your country.

The United States stands ready to partner with Sri Lanka and all Sri Lankans as you deal with these important issues."

My fifty favorite photos from the 2005 trip.

And I think Karina took this New Year's photo. Eight years later now, with war years intervening. I hope they've all grown up healthy, happy, and strong.