59th National new rice festival commences under President’s patronage

The 59th Aluth Sahal Mangallaya, also known as the National New Rice Festival, has officially commenced under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. 

The grand cultural event, held with the blessings of the Maha Sangha, saw farmers offering their first harvest with deep devotion to Lord Buddha, symbolizing gratitude and spiritual reverence.

During his address at the festival, President Dissanayake highlighted the vital role of agriculture in shaping the nation’s cultural identity. 

He emphasised that the New Rice Festival stands as one of the most significant expressions of this cultural heritage, fostering national unity and preserving longstanding traditions.

The President also underscored the importance of addressing rural poverty through strategic planning and targeted initiatives. 

He announced that steps are underway to secure farmers’ land rights through formal documentation, aiming to strengthen their security and sustain their livelihoods. The festival not only celebrates the harvest but also reinforces the importance of agriculture in Sri Lanka’s cultural and economic fabric.

Source - The Morning