Anointing ceremony performed together with the blessings of nature in the New Year is an eternal heritage - Prime Minister

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said the anointing ceremony, which is performed by the Sri Lankan people, together with the blessings of nature in the New Year is an eternal heritage. He said this while attending the anointing national ceremony held at the historic Heianthuduwa Purana Vihara in Biyagama.

The Prime Minister further stated, "Today, the whole nation has come together with this ritual. This is our heritage. Sri Lankans are the only nationals who perform such a cultural festival together with the environment. I wish the whole nation the determination and courage to build the future in this New Year."

Anointing of oil is done as the final ritual of the New Year cultural festival. The State Ministry of Indigenous Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicines Corporation had organized the event. Anointing of Raja the tusker was also done at the ceremony while medicinal plants were distributed to the people under the patronage of the Prime Minister.

Maha Sangha including the Chief Incumbent of the temple Venerable Velamitiyaya Seelarathana Thera graced the occasion. Minister of State Sisira Jayakodi, Member of Parliament Yadamini Gunawardena, President’s Senior Adviser Ruwan Wijayawardena and other guests and people were also present at the event.