An integrated auspicious time sheet for the upcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year will be released tomorrow (17), following a consensus reached among leading astrologers and almanac compilers.

Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senavi announced that an agreement was reached between Indika Apa Senevirathne, compiler of the Apa Panchanga, Chamath Kothalawala, compiler of the Thirasa Panchanga, and members of the alternative almanac group. 

Addressing the media today, he said the integrated auspicious time sheet will be printed and issued to the public as the official state version.

The Department of Cultural Affairs dissolved the State Almanac Committee in 2024, and the government has not reappointed one since. 

This year’s auspicious times were prepared by members of the Poya Committee, prompting dissatisfaction among astrologers, who urged the government to immediately establish a state committee.

In response, steps were taken last week to prepare an auspicious timesheet acceptable to all parties. 

Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senavi said seventeen eminent astrologers were involved in the process, ensuring broad agreement and credibility for the state sheet to be released tomorrow. (Newswire)

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The Department of Cultural Affairs states that a discussion is scheduled for next Monday under the leadership of the subject minister, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, to prepare the New Year auspicious times (nekath) sheet.

Issuing a statement, the Department noted that two groups have submitted proposals for the preparation of this year’s New Year auspicious times.

The statement further said that in order to reach a common agreement, the Ministry has already held four rounds of discussions with those groups.

It also said that the views of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and Traditional Arts Sub‑Council have been obtained, but so far, a common agreement regarding the New Year auspicious times has not been reached.

The statement noted that the Ministry of Buddhist, Religious and Cultural Affairs takes necessary steps to safeguard and promote the country’s cultural values, including New Year traditions. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s Official Reserve Assets increased by 9.6% to USD 5.43 billion in April 2024, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). 

The figures reported for April is an increase from the USD 4.96 billion recorded in March 2024. 

It includes proceeds from the People’s Bank of China equivalent to around USD 1.4 billion, which is subject to conditionalities on usability. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s government-backed traditional astrologers have failed to unanimously agree on the best date for New Year rituals, with squabbling seers warning of “disaster” and accusing rivals of misinterpreting the position of stars.

Astrologers are hugely influential figures consulted by the island’s Buddhist and Hindu communities, and their advice for auspicious dates guides everything from marriages to business deals – and even national elections.

But the 42-member group of astrologers employed by the island’s cultural affairs ministry said they were split for the first time on deciding the best date for New Year celebrations.

“We discussed very deeply,” said Ananda Seneviratne, the spokesperson for the New Year auspicious time committee. “After a lot of deliberations, we finalised the auspicious time through a majority decision.”

The majority set the dawn of the traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year on the night of 13 April.

But dissenting seer Roshan Chanaka said the time was wrong and would lead the country into “disaster”.

Sri Lanka “will go up in flames” if the “official times” are followed, he added, without giving further details.

Sri Lanka is emerging from its worst economic crisis, which led to months of street protests and forced then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign in July 2022.

His successor, Ranil Wickremesinghe, is widely expected to run for re-election in polls later this year, potentially between September and October.

Nearly a decade ago, former president Mahinda Rajapaksa called a snap election in January 2015 based on the date advised by his personal astrologer. He lost.

In 2009, an astrologer was arrested after predicting that Mahinda Rajapaksa would be ousted as president and replaced by his prime minister. (The Guardian)

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The Year-on-Year overall headline inflation has decreased to 35.3% in April 2023, the Department of Census and Statistics reported.

According to the department, the headline inflation reported in April has decreased from 50.3% reported in March. 

Meanwhile, the Year-on-Year core inflation decreased to 27.8% in April from 39.1% reported in March.

Food inflation has decreased to 30.6% in April from 47.6% in March, while non-food inflation decreased to 37.6% in April from 51.7% in March.

Full report : http://www.statistics.gov.lk/WebReleases/CCPI_20230428E (NewsWire)

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Special train and bus services have been announced today for the convenience of the public returning to Colombo following the April New Year festivities.

According to Daily News, the special train and bus services have been in operation since yesterday (16).

The Deputy General Manager of Railways N. J. Indipolage stated that some special trains are in operation from Badulla, Beliatta and Galle to Colombo today as well.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) Chairman Lalith de Alwis stated that a large number of buses have been deployed to facilitate transportation for those returning to Colombo. (NewsWire)

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A special operation will be launched to apprehend people driving under the influence of alcohol during the April festive season, Sri Lanka Police announced.

Police spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa told the media today that special measures have been taken for this purpose.

Stating that the distribution of breathalyzers to test drunk drivers has commenced, he said they expect to have distributed 167,000 breathalyzers to all areas by tomorrow (07).

SSP Thalduwa requested the public to ensure their safety alongside adhering to the law. 

Several roadblocks will also be set up across the country in a bid to help identify criminals during this festive season, he said. 

The Police spokesman added that the Police will also engage in day and night mobile patrols and also set up checkpoints to ensure security during this period. (NewsWire)

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Sri Lanka Railways has announced special train services for the upcoming April New Year festive season. 

The Department of Railway said in a statement that the special train services will operate from today until 17th April 2023. 

The special train services include both normal train journeys as well as long-distance train journeys. (NewsWire)

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