Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya joined the annual Aadi Vel Festival celebrations on July 28, offering prayers at the sacred chariot procession of the New Kathiresan Kovil in Colombo.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in religious observances at the annual Aadi Vel Festival on July 28, representing the Prime Minister's Office during the street procession organised by the New Kathiresan Kovil. The ceremony took place in the afternoon as the procession passed Temple Trees, where the Prime Minister offered a pooja tray to the sacred Silver Chariot carrying Lord Murugan before receiving blessings.

Traditional drumming accompanied the Prime Minister's escort from Temple Trees to the Vel chariot, maintaining customary practices associated with the festival. Following the religious ceremony, the organising committee recognised her participation by presenting the Prime Minister with a floral garland and a ceremonial shawl.

The Aadi Vel Festival and Chariot Procession is jointly organised by two temples: the New Kathiresan Kovil on Chetty Street in Colombo and the Nattukkottai Nagarathar New Kathiresan Kovil in Bambalapitiya. This year's celebration marked the 152nd iteration of the historic procession, which has been held continuously since 1874, making it one of the longest-running religious festivals in the country.