Oil anointing custom performed across the country

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The auspicious time to anoint oil fell at 7.40 am today(April 17). To commemorate this tradition, oil anointing practices were carried out across the country. The state ceremony of anointing oil was held at the Subodhirajarama Maha Viharaya in Bombuwala. Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne and several other officials attended the ceremony. The traditional anointing of the elephant was also held at the viharaya. Meanwhile, the ceremony to anoint oil at the Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya was held under the auspices of the leader of the opposition Mahinda Rajapaksa. Former Secretary of Defence Gotabaya Rajapaksa was also present at the occasion. The Opposition Leader noted that all the allied parties will jointly take a decision regarding their presidential candidate who will definitely emerge victorious in the election. The ritual was carried out at the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya as well. The ritual was carried out by Viharadhipathi Professor Kollupitiye Rangarathna Thero. Chief Minister of the Western Province Isura Devapriya was also present at the occasion. The ceremony to anoint with oil was held at the historic Natha Devale in Kandy as well. The News 1st correspondent reported that the ceremony was held under the auspices of the Mahanayake of the Asgiri Chapter Most Venerable Sri Gnanarathana Thero. The Anunayake of the Malwatta Chapter Dimbulkumbure Sri Wimaladhamma Thero was also present. Governor of the Central Province Maithri Gunaratne, Governor of the North Central Province Sarath Ekanayake and several other dignitaries were also present.

---