The National ‘Aluth Sahal Mangalya’ (New Rice Festival) one of the most venerated ancient agricultural rituals to offer the maiden harvest of the Maha season to the Buddha was held yesterday (4) under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the sacred Sri Maha Bodhiya premises. The event was organised by the Agriculture Ministry and the Agrarian Services Department for the 54th occasion under the guidance of Chief Incumbent of Atamasthana Ven. Prof. Pallegama Sirinivasa Nayaka Thera. Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage and State Minister Shasheendra Rajapaksa were among those present. (Picture by President’s Media Division).