The 58th National New Paddy Harvest Festival was held at the Sri Maha Bodhi premises in Anuradhapura under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today (4).

The traditional Aluth Sahal Mangalya ceremony marked the offering of the first Maha season harvest to the sacred Bodhi tree, with participation from farmers across the country.

Addressing the event, the President stated that the Government is working to restructure the agriculture sector and restore failed institutions like the Paddy Marketing Board, which has debts of Rs. 28 billion.

He also added that a Rs. 2 billion budget allocation to revamp ancient irrigation systems, while pledging fair prices for both farmers and consumers in future harvest seasons.