President Anura Kumara Dissanayake participated in the illumination (Aloka Pooja) held at the Thanthirimale Raja Maha Viharaya in conjunction with the 2026 National Poson Festival.

The President arrived at the Thanthirimale Raja Maha Viharaya this afternoon (29) and, after taking part in religious observances, ceremonially inaugurated the illumination by switching on the electric lights, the President’s Media Division said in a statement.

The Aloka Pooja is being held under the guidance of the Chief Incumbent of the Thanthirimale Raja Maha Viharaya and Deputy Chief Sanghanayake of the Northern and Eastern Provinces, Most Venerable Thanthirimale Chandrarathana Nayaka Thero. 

A floral and lantern procession, as well as a Buddhist devotional music concert, was also held to mark the occasion, the PMD noted.

Among those present were Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi; Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe; Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply Dr. Susil Ranasinghe; MP Sena Nanayakkara; Inspector General of Police Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasooriya; Eastern Province Chief Secretary Ranjan Jayasinghe; Anuradhapura District Secretary Ranjith Wimalasuriya; Mahawilachchiya Divisional Secretary Sureetha Perera; Chandragupta Wanninayake, Chairman of the Medawachchiya Nuwaragam Palatha Pradeshiya Sabha; Chairman of the National Television Corporation Gihan de Silva; and a large gathering of devotees and invitees.