President introduces a new tradition for the new year

Colombo (News1st) - Issuing a message to mark the dawn of the Sinhala and Tamil new year, President Maithripala Sirisena called on the people of the country to collectively commit themselves to fulfill national expectations. President Sirisena says it is time we pay adequate attention to understand the deep meaning of this most precious traditional cultural ceremony called the New Year, especially as it is now submissive to the market mechanisms and consumer demands. The Head of State celebrated the dawn of the Sinhala Tamil New Year at president's official residence. President Maithripala Sirisena joined the new year ritual lighting of the hearth and cooking meals at 7.45 am at the president's official residence. First Lady, Jayanthi Sirisena and other family members were also present. The Head of State planted a sapling to commemorate the new year activities. Ministers, MPs and the general public extended their new year wishes to President Sirisena. Meanwhile, an auspicious time to plant trees has also been added to the "nakath seetuwa" this time around. According to a release issued by the President's Media Division, saplings should be planted while dressed in white facing East at 11.17 am tomorrow.

ඔබ සැමට සාමය, සතුට, සෞභාග්‍යය සපිරි සුභ අලූත් අවූරුද්දක් වේවා! உங்கள் அனைவருக்கும் சமாதானமும் மகிழ்ச்சியூம் சௌபாக்கியமும் நிறைந்த இனிய புத்தாண்டு நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள். I wish you a happy, peaceful and prosperous New Year pic.twitter.com/W0KcFkWyL7

— Maithripala Sirisena (@MaithripalaS) April 14, 2019