Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has sent his greetings to the Chinese government and its people for the Chinese New Year which falls on February 8, Chinese state-run Xinhua News Agency said.

"It is with great pleasure that I extend my warm good wishes to everyone celebrating the Chinese New Year in the People's Republic of China and around the world," Sirisena said.

"The celebration of the Chinese New Year is steeped in history, tradition and custom and is the most important celebration for the Chinese people in many parts of the world."

The Sri Lankan President added that several events had been organized by the Chinese Embassy in Colombo to celebrate the New Year in Sri Lanka.

He further extended hope that the Year of the Monkey would bring joy, prosperity, good fortune and long life to everyone celebrating the grand festival.

The Chinese New Year is the most important festival in China, which marks the end of winter and the start of spring. It is celebrated by Chinese people around the world, irrespective of their religion.

(With inputs from Xinhua)