The Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, announced that both Sinhala and Tamil communities will have a unified set of auspicious times (“Avurudu Nekath Seettuwa”) for this year’s Sinhala and Tamil New Year. 

The agreement was finalised during discussions with prominent astrologers, including Indika Epa Seneviratne, Chamath Kothalawala, and members of an alternative astrology group.

The Minister stated that the ‘Avurudu Nekath Seettuwa’ would be printed on 17 March and released as the official ‘Rajya Nekath Seettuwa’. 

This development comes after the Department of Cultural Affairs disbanded the New Year Auspicious Time Committee in 2024, leaving a gap in official guidance.

Amid some dissatisfaction expressed by astrologers earlier this month regarding the timing announcement, the Sarvajana Balaya organised an initiative involving 17 astrologers to create an inclusive timetable, ensuring acceptance across different groups.