The State Oil‑Anointing Ceremony, a key ritual of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, was held this morning (15) at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake taking part.
Organized jointly by the Ministry of Health and Media and the Department of Ayurveda, the event was conducted under the guidance of the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya at the grounds of the Sri Maha Natha Devalaya.
President Dissanayake first visited the Dalada Maligawa to engage in religious observances and receive blessings for the New Year before joining the state ceremony.
At the auspicious time of 6.55 am, the ritual of oil‑anointing was performed by Malwathu Anunayake Thero, Venerable Dimbulkuhure Vimaladhamma, upon the President and the gathering.
The Maha Sangha chanted protective blessings (seth pirith), extending blessings to the President and the public.
The President also mingled with devotees gathered at the Dalada Maligawa premises, conversing with them and receiving their New Year greetings. (Newswire)