The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Maldives celebrated Sinhala and Tamil New Year with an auspicious meal partaking ceremony on 14 April 2026 at the chancery, with the participation of Sri Lankan community.
The event was graced by the presence of Member of Parliament for Central Machchangoalhi and President of the Maldives–Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group, Ahmed Xamyr.
Delivering the welcome remarks, High Commissioner M. Rizvi Hassen stated that the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Sri Lanka’s principal cultural festival, brings the message of prosperity and unity to the nation and reminds us to pause, reflect on the past year, and welcome the future with kindness and gratitude. He noted that the celebration was organized to keep our traditions alive and also to bring a sense of family and togetherness among the Sri Lankan community who are away from home.
The traditional observances comprised the overflowing of the milk pot (Kiri ithiraveema) by Ganesh Kumara and Siva Sankar representing the community members and symbolic financial transaction (Ganu Denu) between High Commissioner M. Rizvi Hassen and country Manager of Bank of Ceylon Male’ Branch, Manjula Herath.
Following the lighting of the oil lamp, partaking of auspicious meals representing traditional Sinhala and Tamil cuisine took place.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Maldives
17 April 2026
