President who arrived at the Gal Viharaya was engaged in religious observances including washing the sacred feet of the reclining Buddha statute and offering “Pirikara”. Later on, President offered the inaugural harvest of his paddy field at the LakshaUyana village of the Parakrama Samudraya movement to the Buddha statue.

It is a traditional customary in Sri Lanka to offer the inaugural harvest of the paddy cultivation, which is also known as the “Buddha Boghaya”, to the Buddha and deities.

President also had a cordial conversation with the farmers who were attending “Aluth Sahal Mangalya”. President on a request of a deaf girl, who was present at the gathering pledged to provide all the facilities to continue her education.

Venerable Sangha led by Chief Incumbent of the Solosmasthana most venerable VendaruweUpali thero, the public representatives including Minister of Agriculture Punchi bandara Rathnayaka were also present at the event.

Later, President arrived at the vicinity of PrakramaSamudraya and stayed there for a while leisurely. He also conducted a cordial chat with the people who are getting ready to celebrate the Sinhala New Year.