The State Oil-Anointing Ceremony, an important 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 in attendance.
Organized by the Ministry of Health and Media together with the Department of Ayurveda, the ceremony took place at the Sri Maha Natha Devalaya premises under the guidance of the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya.
The President began the day by visiting the Dalada Maligawa to participate in religious observances and receive blessings for the New Year before joining the state ritual.
At the auspicious time of 6:55 a.m., the traditional oil-anointing was carried out by Malwathu Anunayake Thero, Venerable Dimbulkuhure Vimaladhamma, on the President and those present.
The Maha Sangha chanted seth pirith, invoking blessings for both the President and the public.
Following the ceremony, President Dissanayake interacted with devotees gathered at the temple premises, exchanging greetings and New Year wishes.
