Traditional Presidential Oil Anointing Ceremony Held with President’s Participation

16-Apr-2026

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The 2026 traditional oil anointing ceremony, held in line with Sinhala and Tamil New Year customs, took place on April 15 at the historic Sri Dalada Maligawa and Sri Maha Natha Devalaya premises in Kandy, with the participation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The event was organised under the guidance of the Maha Nayaka Theras of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters of the Siam Nikaya, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Mass Media and the Department of Ayurveda, following traditional protocols.

The President, after engaging in religious observances at the Sri Dalada Maligawa and receiving blessings for the New Year, participated in the ceremonial oil anointing ritual.

The main ritual was conducted at 6.55 a.m. during an auspicious time, led by Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Thera, Maha Nayaka of the Asgiri Chapter, who performed the traditional oil anointing for the President and others present.

Monks chanted Seth Pirith and invoked blessings for the President and the nation.

The President also interacted with the public gathered at the premises, inquiring about their wellbeing and exchanging New Year greetings.

Senior monks of both Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters, along with ministers including the Minister of Health and Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa, Deputy Ministers, the Central Province Governor, and other officials attended the event.