[By Janaka Alahapperuma]
President Mahinda Rajapaksa participated in several religious observances and paid homage to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya in Anuradhapura this morning (08 April). Later, the President called on the Chief Incumbent of the Atamasthanaya Venerable Pallegama Siriniwasa Nayake Thera and received his blessings after a brief discussion. The President also inspected the ongoing construction work within the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi sacred site.
Thereafter President Rajapaksa attended religious rituals held in the Ruwanweli Seya and secured the blessings of the Triple Gem. He joined in the Pinkama of ordaining 75 novice monks entered the Buddhasasana at the same day and offered Pirikara to those monks. The president also paid a courtesy call on the Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweli Seya Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thero and secured his blessings.
The President also seized the opportunity of exchanging pleasantries with devotees who were at the Ruwanweli Seya. Later President Rajapaksa participated in several other public ceremonies in the Anuradhapura area.
North Central Governor Karunaratne Divulgane, Chief Minister S.M. Ranjith and Deputy Minister W.B. Ekanayake were among those present on the occasion.
Pix by : Nishanka de Silva
