Govt. looks for alternatives on auspicious times for New Year rituals

16 March 2026 10:26 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 7 Bookmark

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Colombo, March 16 (Daily Mirror) - Amids controversy over the auspicious timing designated for performing Sinhala New Year rituals, Deputy Minister of Buddhist Affairs Gamagedara Dissanayake said yesterday that the government is considering an alternative if a consensus cannot be reached with the astrologers.

He told the media that the Ministry of Buddhist Affairs has had discussions on the matter with Mahanayake theras and monks of the Buddha Sasana Council.

The Deputy Minister said the Mahanayake theras agreed that a Neketh Seettuwa (auspicious timing) which is agreeable to all must be presented.

He said a discussion will be held today with the Minister of Buddhist Affairs and various groups of astrologers who hold mixed opinions on the Neketh Seettuwa which was presented by astrologers.

Dissanayake said they expect that a consensus could be reached with the astrologers and that if it failed, the government is considering an alternative.

"We will present a Neketh Seettuwa, agreeable to all within next few days.

Comments - 7

Sokrates Monday, 16 March 2026 10:43 AM

It’s not a religious matter. Not even Lord Buddha believed in such nonsense as auspicious times. If some idiots need information to know when to stop working, what colour their clothes should be, and which window they should climb out of to leave the house facing the right direction on their way back to work, then they should find a charlatan they trust and pay him themselves.

0 14

Kirihāmi Monday, 16 March 2026 04:35 PM

Preparing or deciding these auspicious times should be democratised. Then people can choose the best times most convenient for them. THAT'S the auspicious time! Who are these guys to tell us when to cook or when to eat!

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Sharmi Monday, 16 March 2026 11:08 AM

Auspicious times have done nothing good for this country all these years. Just focus on the more important issues facing our people these difficult days.

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Abo rinno Monday, 16 March 2026 12:24 PM

We are still in Aboriginals era.

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sunil Monday, 16 March 2026 01:58 PM

from when did it become the government's job to consult astrologers

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Krish Monday, 16 March 2026 03:45 PM

Seriously. By the way in some, these types of things were transferred to astronomy from astrology. So there won't be multiple people saying multiple things.

0 1

Henry Monday, 16 March 2026 05:18 PM

With all the auspicious times and rituals Sri Lanka is still a country of beggars and buggered fools.

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