April 14, Colombo (LNW): Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has marked the Sinhala and Tamil New Year by underscoring its importance as a unifying national celebration rooted in centuries-old spiritual, cultural and social customs.

He described the festival as a treasured inheritance that reflects the identity of the people, stressing that it must be carefully safeguarded for generations to come.

In his message, he cautioned that any actions by those in authority which generate confusion or mishandle culturally sensitive matters risk undermining these long-standing traditions. He expressed particular unease over recent controversies surrounding the official auspicious times, noting that such issues should be addressed with greater responsibility and respect.

Premadasa also reflected on the deeper meaning of the New Year, portraying it as a moment for renewal and reflection. He acknowledged the difficulties endured by many citizens over the past year, especially amid ongoing economic pressures that have taken a toll on both livelihoods and mental well-being.

Looking ahead, he called for practical and lasting measures to uplift the public, emphasising that genuine progress requires sustainable solutions rather than short-term fixes. He reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing policies aimed at meaningful empowerment and improved stability in the year to come.

Full Message:

“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is the most significant cultural festival we share as a nation. Its foundation is built upon rich spiritual, moral, cultural, and recreational traditions. Through these elements, the New Year has bestowed upon us a proud and enduring heritage. It is our collective responsibility to protect and preserve this heritage for future generations.

In the process of safeguarding this legacy, any action by the government that creates uncertainty within society or fails to responsibly manage sensitive matters amounts to a neglect of its duty to protect our cultural traditions. The manner in which the government intervened in the recent dispute regarding the New Year auspicious time table (Nakath Pathraya) raises serious concerns about its regard for our cultural values.

The dawn of a New Year symbolizes an opportunity to move forward by learning from past shortcomings. It is no secret that the people of our country have faced numerous challenges over the past year. Under significant economic strain, many across all segments of society continue to struggle, often at the cost of their mental well-being. In such circumstances, what is required is not temporary relief but meaningful empowerment through sustainable, long-term solutions. I reaffirm my commitment to working tirelessly towards such a program in the year ahead.

Let us embrace the spirit of unity and harmony that the Sinhala and Tamil New Year so quietly yet powerfully teaches us.”

April 14, Colombo (LNW): In her Sinhala and Tamil New Year message, Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya reflected on the deeper meaning of the festival, describing it as a moment that signals both a celestial transition and the gentle arrival of spring, bringing with it themes of renewal, prosperity and harmony.

She noted that the occasion remains one of the few times when people across the island unite through shared traditions, setting aside daily routines to celebrate as families and communities.

Highlighting the need for unity, the Prime Minister urged citizens to move beyond divisions and nurture a spirit of goodwill and cooperation. She commended the public for their strength in navigating recent hardships, adding that such resilience should serve as a foundation for future progress.

Amarasuriya also acknowledged Sri Lankans living and working abroad, recognising their continued ties to home and their contribution to the nation. She encouraged all citizens to step into the New Year with renewed purpose and determination, working together towards a more stable and prosperous future.

Full Message:

“Marking the auspicious transition of the sun from one planet to another, and the arrival of the spring season following the harvest, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrated by the people of Sri Lanka since ancient times, has dawned once again.

The New Year is not merely a festive occasion; it symbolizes a renewal of prosperity, unity, coexistence, and the strengthening of mutual relationships embedded within our cultural values.

On this occasion, I extend my wishes for a peaceful and prosperous Sinhala and Tamil New Year to all Sri Lankans who celebrate this occasion with their families and loved ones, observing customs at the auspicious time.

A unique feature of Sinhala and Tamil New Year is the way an entire nation comes together through a shared set of customs. Despite the demands and challenges of daily life, this season offers a valuable opportunity to move forward with renewed hope as families, communities and a nation.

The true blessing of the New Year lies in setting aside differences and grievances, and embracing a fresh beginning in a spirit of solidarity and goodwill. Especially in the face of ongoing global challenges, the courage, compassion and resilience shown by our people in facing various natural and economic hardships in recent times stand as an example to the world. It is our responsibility to carry forward that collective strength.

At this auspicious moment, I extend my greetings to our fellow Sri Lankans working overseas, who dedicate themselves to securing a better future for their families and for the country. In particular, I extend my thoughts for the safety and well-being of those living in the Middle East during these tumultuous times.

Let us resolve, with renewed determination to overcome obstacles and build a better and more prosperous nation. As we undertake in a significant social and political transformations, we remain committed to striving tirelessly towards a better future.

May this Sinhala and Tamil New Year be blessed with happiness and prosperity!”

April 14, Colombo (LNW): In a message marking the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called on the nation to embrace both personal renewal and collective progress, describing the festival as the most significant cultural observance in Sri Lanka.

He reflected on the enduring importance of New Year traditions, noting that families and communities continue to follow time-honoured rituals and religious practices in unison, guided by auspicious timings. According to the President, these shared customs not only preserve heritage but also present a distinct cultural identity to the wider world.

Emphasising the link between tradition and progress, he stated that the country’s path to development should remain rooted in its historical and cultural foundations. He suggested that sustainable growth can only be achieved by respecting long-standing values while adapting to modern challenges.

The President further observed that New Year practices encourage kindness, mutual respect, and a spirit of togetherness, as well as a closer relationship with the natural environment. He urged citizens to carry these principles beyond the festive season and incorporate them into everyday life.

Addressing recent hardships, he acknowledged the resilience shown by the public in overcoming natural disasters and external pressures, including ongoing global uncertainties. He assured that the Government is taking steps to manage these challenges and safeguard the country’s stability.

Concluding his message, President Dissanayake appealed for greater unity and cooperation among all Sri Lankans, encouraging the nation to move forward with purpose towards a future he described as “a thriving nation and a better quality of life for all,” while extending his heartfelt New Year greetings.

Full Message:

‘‘The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, which symbolises the aspiration for renewal both physically and spiritually, is the foremost cultural festival of the people of this country.

During the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, traditional customs are upheld, with priority accorded to rituals and religious observances, and activities undertaken collectively at a common auspicious time. This shared cultural practice vividly reflects our nation’s identity before the world, as well as the strong socio-cultural bonds that exist among our communities.

We firmly believe that the future path of national development can only be shaped in harmony with this invaluable culture and our distinguished historical heritage. Accordingly, it must be recalled that all our future development plans have been formulated upon the firm foundation of these precious traditions and cultural values.

Moreover, the common aspiration embodied in the customs and rituals associated with the solar transition is the nurturing of a compassionate individual who values togetherness, respects others, and lives in harmony with nature. I believe that the virtues and values of unity reflected in these New Year traditions should not be confined to these few days alone, but should instead be demonstrated throughout the year in our daily conduct.

In the face of the most significant recent natural disaster challenge encountered in the past year, we demonstrated to the world our resilience and capacity to withstand internal shocks. At the same time, in responding to the external challenges arising from the conflict in the Middle East, the Government has already set in motion a well-planned and effectively managed programme to overcome these difficulties.

As a nation, in overcoming these challenges together, I call upon all of you to further dedicate yourselves to enriching your lives through the values of togetherness, sharing, and solidarity exemplified during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season.

As we strengthen the achievements we have secured and move forward with unwavering resolve in the face of emerging challenges, I invite everyone to join hands in unity to realise the vision of ‘‘A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life’’ for all.

I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!’’

April 14, Colombo (LNW) Sri Lanka today welcomed the Sinhala and Tamil New Year at precisely 9.32 a.m., ushering in one of the island’s most cherished cultural festivities. Families across the country marked the moment with age-old customs that blend spirituality, astrology, and community spirit.

Following the traditional schedule of auspicious times, households are set to begin preparing their first New Year meals at 10.51 a.m. In keeping with custom, people are encouraged to wear red garments, face south, and ceremonially light the hearth before cooking, symbolising prosperity and renewal.

The designated time for commencing daily activities, engaging in financial transactions, and sharing the first meal of the year falls at 12.06 p.m., reinforcing the importance of beginning the year on a harmonious note.

Rituals will continue into the following day, with the ceremonial oil anointing planned for 6.55 a.m. on April 15. Participants are to dress in green, face east, and observe traditional practices involving medicinal leaves and herbal oils, believed to promote health and well-being for the year ahead.

Further observances include setting out for important duties on April 17 at 5.38 a.m., while the resumption of regular work is advised on 20 April during two favourable times in the early morning.

Looking ahead, the planting of tree saplings has been designated for April 23 at 9.01 a.m., encouraging a connection with nature and symbolising growth and continuity in the new year.

April 13, Colombo (LNW): Authorities have turned to international support as investigations intensify into a sophisticated financial scam involving more than 13 billion rupees, allegedly carried out through unauthorised access to the digital systems of the National Development Bank (NDB).

Law enforcement officials confirmed that assistance has been sought from Interpol, with a specialised team of cybercrime analysts—particularly those experienced in tracking virtual currency transactions—expected to arrive in the country shortly.

The request for collaboration was initiated by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and formally submitted to Interpol’s headquarters in Lyon.

Investigators believe the fraud may have involved a coordinated effort exploiting internal system vulnerabilities, with digital assets potentially used to obscure the movement of funds. So far, four individuals have been taken into custody and remain on remand pending further inquiries. Among those detained are a senior employee attached to the bank’s payments division and a close relative, raising suspicions of insider involvement.

Despite the scale of the breach, the bank has reassured customers that their personal accounts remain secure and unaffected. Operations continue without disruption, according to officials, who insist that safeguards have contained the impact of the incident.

In a separate statement, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) noted that the institution’s financial health remains stable, with capital and liquidity levels comfortably exceeding regulatory thresholds.

By: Isuru Parakrama

April 13, Colombo (LNW): As the New Year celebrations gather momentum, senior police officials have announced an extensive deployment of more than 8,000 officers to manage traffic and ensure public safety across the country.

The large-scale operation is aimed at reducing congestion and minimising accidents during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Authorities have issued a firm warning to motorists, urging them to avoid getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or any intoxicating substances. Officials stressed that strict enforcement measures will be in place, with increased roadside checks and patrols expected throughout the holiday period.

In addition, drivers have been reminded to adhere closely to established safety practices, particularly when travelling on expressways, where high traffic volumes are anticipated.

Police emphasised that responsible driving and compliance with regulations are crucial to preventing mishaps and ensuring a safe and smooth journey for all road users during the festive season.

By: Isuru Parakrama

April 13, Colombo (LNW): Health authorities have stepped up inspections of eateries and food outlets across Sri Lanka as part of a nationwide effort to safeguard public health during the busy Sinhala and Tamil New Year season.

The Public Health Inspectors’ Association of Sri Lanka confirmed that ongoing checks have been carried out extensively in recent days, with thousands of establishments already coming under scrutiny.

According to its Secretary, Chamil Muthukuda, nearly 4,000 premises have been inspected within a span of less than two weeks.

He cautioned that the festive period often sees an increase in attempts by certain traders to distribute substandard or unsafe food products, taking advantage of heightened consumer demand.

As a result, authorities are maintaining heightened vigilance and have pledged to take firm action against those found violating health regulations.

Officials are also urging the public to exercise caution when purchasing food, advising consumers to check for proper hygiene standards and avoid items that appear suspicious.

By: Isuru Parakrama

April 13, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka stands on the threshold of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, with just hours remaining before the traditional dawn that marks one of the country’s most significant cultural celebrations.

The New Year is observed at the moment the sun transitions from Pisces (Meena Rashiya) to Aries (Mesha Rashiya), a celestial shift that holds deep astrological and cultural meaning for communities across the island.

Homes and villages are already alive with preparations, as families ready themselves for the carefully timed rituals that define the occasion.

According to this year’s auspicious schedule, the ‘Punya Kaalaya’—a sacred period dedicated to religious observances and reflection—will commence in the early hours at 3:08 a.m. and continue until mid-afternoon.

The official New Year dawn is set for 9:32 a.m., marking the beginning of a series of customs observed in strict accordance with tradition.

Later in the morning, households will light their hearths at the prescribed time, symbolising prosperity and renewal. By early afternoon, families will gather to begin work, exchange goods, and share their first meal of the year, following age-old guidance such as wearing red attire and facing south to invite good fortune.

Cultural experts note that these rituals, passed down through generations, continue to play a vital role in preserving Sri Lanka’s heritage, blending astrology, spirituality, and communal celebration into a uniquely meaningful start to the year.

April 13, Colombo (LNW): Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala has acknowledged a growing number of public complaints associated with slow response times linked to the country’s emergency police hotline (119), raising fresh concerns about the efficiency of rapid response services.

The Minister revealed that he had personally followed up on one such complaint, in which a caller alleged that no action had been taken even hours after reporting an incident via the 119 emergency line. Acting on his advice, the individual subsequently escalated the matter through the 118 National Help Desk, prompting further attention to the delay.

Grievances of this nature are now being reported almost daily, reflecting mounting public frustration, according to Wijepala. He emphasised that the 119 hotline handles a substantial volume of calls—typically between 4,000 and 4,500 each day—which places considerable strain on available resources and personnel.

He also observed that public expectations of law enforcement have evolved, with greater scrutiny being placed on police conduct and responsiveness than in previous years. While conceding that criticism has intensified, the Minister emphasised that many officers continue to perform commendably under challenging conditions.

Efforts are reportedly under way within the Sri Lanka Police to modernise operations and enhance response times. Officials say reforms will focus on improving coordination, upgrading systems, and ensuring that emergency services are better equipped to meet the needs of the public in a timely manner.