The 'Siri Dalada Vandanawa', a special veneration of the Sacred Tooth Relic, begins today (18) in Kandy after a 16-year hiatus.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and 44 foreign diplomats from countries including India, the UK, Japan, and Egypt are participating in the inaugural ceremony.

The delegation travelled to Kandy by train and was welcomed with a traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebration.

The event aims to highlight Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and promote national harmony while strengthening international ties.

Public veneration of the relic will be allowed daily until 27 April, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.