Apr 15, Colombo: President Mahinda Rajapaksa and First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa celebrated the Sinhala and Tamil New Year customs yesterday at President’s ancestral homes, Carlton House in Tangalle and Madamulana House in Weeraketiya.

President and First Lady lighting up the traditional fire. President’s brothers, Secretary of Defence Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Minister Chamal Rajapaksa and son Rohitha Rajapaksa also joined in the celebrations.

President lights up the traditional oil lamp before taking the meal.

President feeding Kiri Bath to his son, Rohitha.

President is blessed by the Maha Sangha at the Carleton House.

Presdient greets villagers.

Ven. Mirisse Dammawansa, Viharadhipathi at Vairagiri Viharaya in Tanglle anointing oil on President.

President visited the Weerakatiya Central School and inspected the construction of its swimming pool.

On his way back to Colombo he visited the Paraliya Buddha Statue and Seenigama Devalaya, a Hindu Temple.

(Pix: Sudath Silva)