State of 2011 dawn: Local traditions with imported inputs!

Despite the soaring cost of living and scarcity of coconuts and onions and their high prices prompting the Government to resort to import of coconuts and onions,

kiribath and lunu miris were in plenty at most ceremonies to mark the dawn of the New Year with traditional ways. This combo picture depicts even the political leaders  relishing the traditional food probably unmindful of their being prepared with imported coconuts and onions.

On left President Mahinda Rajapaksa being served by Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and on right main Opposition UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya enjoy the meal

– Pix by Chaminda Hittatiya and Romesh Danushka Silva