When inquired, the President’s Office  said around a hundred Basnayake Nilame’s who were present at the occasion had seen the phenomenon.  A spokesman said it was a miracle.

He further said the phenomenon was first spotted by the Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela Bandara.

The honouring of the national heroes was held under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena on March 1.

At the function, those involved in the 1818 Uva Wellassa rebellion who were sentenced to death or banished were honoured as national heroes.

The image that appeared is published in the Sunday Rivira newspaper.