New year celebrations at president's official residence

COLOMBO (News 1st) - President Maithripala Sirisena and the first family celebrated the dawn of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year giving priority to tradition. President Sirisena observed the traditional customs of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year by lighting the hearth at the auspicious time of 10:40 this morning (April 14), at the president's official residence in Colombo. First lady Jayanthi Sirisena and members of the family were in attendance. President Maithripala Sirisena marked the tradition of engaging in the first task of the new year by planting a sapling at the premises of his official residence. Ministers, MPs and members of the public were present to extend their wishes to the president for the new year. The Head of State also hosted a celebratory meal for his guests.