Sri Lankans greet the Sinhala and Hindu NewYear amidst economic challenges
The biggest celebration in Sri Lanka that features a load of rituals and customs is one of the must things to experience in your holiday on the island. Based on the sun’s movement from the Meena Rashiya (House of Pieces) to the Mesha Rashiya (House of Aries) Sri Lankan welcomes the New Year a lot of firecrackers, fireworks and gourmet of traditional sweets
This week’s celebration of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was more blissful than it had been in the four preceding years. There were distinct signs that the country had passed through its darkest and hardest times and was looking forward to happier days
Sinhala and Tamil New Year Rituals the unique rituals and the traditions are what make Sinhala and Tamil New Year special and memorable. Neutral period (Nonagathe)
The New Year rituals start in 13th with a ritual called neutral period or Nonagathe. During this time people keep off from all the work and do nothing but engage in religious activities to get the blessing of their religion to prepare for the New Year.
The Ministry of Agriculture has allocated the required funds for the purchase paddy from the farmers. Recently, the prices of vegetables and fruits have increased drastically.
The Ministry intervened and implemented several measures to boost vegetable and fruit production to address this issue. As a result, market prices for these items have been stabilized..
President Ranil Wickremesinghe inherited a struggling nation but has transformed it into a liveable place for its citizens today.
Locally produced rice, vegetables, eggs, chicken and fruits needed for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations have been supplied to the market without any shortages, Agriculture and Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.
He said the vegetable prices, which increased rapidly about a month ago and the shortage of vegetables have been completely ended by now. Under the government’s programme to increase production in the country, more than the required amount of poultry meat, eggs, vegetables, fruits and rice are now available in the market.
“People also claimed that the price of a kilogramme of carrot will go up to Rs. 5,000 during the New Year season. But now, not only the price of carrots but also the prices of all other vegetables have come down. Although some said that the price of an egg will go up to Rs. 75, the price of eggs has also decreased to Rs. 40,” he said.
“During previous years, the prices of these goods in the market increased during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations. But this time there is no such price increase. And you can buy as many consumer goods as you need without a shortage.
“By May, the price of an egg will decrease to between Rs. 30 and Rs. 38. Similarly, we have several other challenges as well,” the Minister said, and added, “Our goal is to overcome all these and make the country self-sufficient in food.”
