A New Year auspicious times sheet from Dilith's party

Against the backdrop of the current government not appointing a state auspicious times committee, an alternative New Year auspicious times sheet was unveiled today under the leadership of Mr. Dilith Jayaweera, leader of the Sarvajana Balaya party, and with the intervention of Professor Venerable Medagoda Abhayatissa Thero. This was prepared at Sunethra Maha Devi Pirivena in Pepiliyana with the participation of seventeen astrologers, and Mr. Dilith Jayaweera stated there that it also contains an auspicious time for the President to go home.

However, immense public disapproval and strong criticism are being directed via social media regarding a political party thus interfering in a cultural activity. The vast majority of people have described this act as a failed and ridiculous attempt by politicians who have lost power to once again become a topic of discussion in society. Many have expressed their strong anger about individuals who indirectly contributed to plunging the country into an economic crisis, once again attempting to gain political advantage by using nation, religion, and culture as a shield.

Responding to this news, social media users have severely ridiculed Mr. Dilith Jayaweera's past activities. Specifically, recalling the incident involving the cobra in the Kelani River and the controversial antigen test kits during the last COVID period, people accuse that those who deceived the public cannot be allowed to do the same again. Furthermore, asking if this would provide an auspicious time to cook 'roti' instead of milk rice for the New Year, many have turned this attempt into a mere joke.

Many have predicted that this alternative auspicious times sheet will become a 'nakath pathak' (a joke/failure), and the public has emphasized that Sri Lankans are ready to perform their rituals this time too through the traditional 'Epa Panchanga Litha' (almanac) which they have trusted for decades. It is clearly evident from almost all responses that there is no public acceptance for such sheets issued not by a government or a recognized institution, but through the intervention of a defeated political party.

The religious leaders and astrologers involved in this endeavor have also been subjected to severe public criticism. Some have accused that turning religious headquarters into political party offices is an insult to Buddhist philosophy. The attempt by astrologers, who made various predictions to help politicians win in the past, to once again come to the forefront and mislead the public, is further confirmed by the opinions circulating on social media networks that it has been completely rejected by intelligent citizens.