Sacred Traditions and State Rituals: President Joins New Year Blessings in Kandy

In a blend of tradition, spirituality, and state observance, Anura Kumara Dissanayake marked the Sinhala and Tamil New Year with religious rites at the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic today (15).

The President participated in religious observances and received blessings, joining devotees gathered at the sacred premises in Kandy. The occasion was further highlighted by the State Oil-Anointing Ceremony, held at the Sri Maha Natha Devalaya within the temple grounds under his patronage.

Organised in line with age-old New Year customs, the ceremony was conducted through the joint efforts of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media and the Department of Ayurveda, guided by the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters of the Siam Nikaya of the Maha Vihara tradition.

At the auspicious time of 6:55 a.m., Venerable Dimbulkumbure Wimaladhamma Thera, Anunayake Thera of the Malwathu Chapter, performed the ceremonial oil anointing on the President and those present. The atmosphere resonated with blessings as members of the Maha Sangha chanted Seth Pirith, invoking well-being for both the Head of State and the public.

Beyond the formalities, President Dissanayake also interacted warmly with members of the public who had gathered for the ritual, exchanging New Year greetings and inquiring about their well-being.

The ceremony was attended by prominent members of the clergy, including Venerable Dr Niyangoda Vijithasiri Thera, Venerable Wendaruwe Upali Thera, and Venerable Narampanawa Ananda Thera, alongside members of the Karaka Sangha Sabhas. Several government representatives were also present, including Nalinda Jayatissa, Gamagedara Dissanayake, Prasanna Gunasena, and S. B. S. Abeykoon.

In addition to the temple visit, the President paid a courtesy call at the Malwathu Maha Vihara, where he met the Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Mahanayaka Thera. The discussion was followed by the chanting of Seth Pirith and blessings for the New Year.

The day’s events reflected a deep connection between governance and tradition, as the nation ushered in the New Year with rituals rooted in heritage and faith.