The 54th National Aluth Sahal Mangalya was jointly organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Agrarian Services Department under the patronage of the Atamasthanadipati Dr. Ven. Pallegama Sirinivasa Nayaka Thera.

Farmers from all over the island joined in the Aluth Sahal Mangalya to receive blessings to fertilise fields and for timely rain. According to tradition, rice filled in a gold-plated bowl was placed in front of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. 

President Rajapaksa fulfilled the ritual of filling the bowl with rice amidst the chanting of Seth Pirith by the Maha Sangha led by Ven. Sirinivasa Thera. MPs and Ministers were also present. 

Meanwhile,  the Commissioner General of Agrarian Development presented a copy of the magazine prepared by the Department of Agrarian Development at the occasion to the President. The Basanayake Nilame of the Saman Devalaya,  Nigara Jayasundara Bandara handed over the bowl of ghee as is the tradition to the President at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi.Deputy Leader of the Veddha community, Uruwarige Gunabanda handed over the bowls of honey traditionally offered to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi by the ancient people on the occasion of the Aluth Sahal Mangalya to the President.

President Rajapaksa symbolically distributed seed paddy blessed by the monks to farmer union representatives from the nine Provinces.

Subsequently, President Rajapaksa offered flowers and silver coins to the Sri Maha Bodhi and received blessings.