The ceremony commenced at the auspicious time of 6:55 a.m., in keeping with long-standing New Year customs and astrological guidance. The oil-anointing ritual, known as Hisa Thel Gema, is a significant cultural and religious observance believed to bring good health, protection, and blessings for the year ahead.
State officials, religious leaders, and devotees gathered at the historic temple in Kandy to take part in the ritual, which was conducted according to traditional rites. The event forms part of the national New Year celebrations, symbolizing unity, renewal, and the continuation of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.
The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, celebrated in mid-April, is one of the country’s most important festivals, bringing together communities across the island in shared observance and festivity.
