By: Isuru Parakrama
October 06, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake paid a visit to the revered Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura yesterday to participate in religious observances and receive blessings.
His visit to this sacred site marks an important spiritual occasion following his recent presidential appointment.
Upon arriving at the historic Anuradhapura precincts, President Dissanayake was warmly welcomed by the Atamasthanadhipathi and Chief Administrator of the Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya, Most Venerable Pallekumbura Hemarathana Nayake Thero.
The two held a brief conversation, during which the President inquired about the Venerable Thero’s well-being. This meeting was followed by a series of religious ceremonies conducted by the Maha Sangha.
At the Udamaluwa of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, President Dissanayake engaged in traditional religious rituals, participating in a blessing ceremony led by the Maha Sangha, who chanted Seth Pirith to invoke blessings upon him.
The ceremony was also attended by prominent religious leaders, including the Chief Incumbents of several significant temples, such as Lankarama, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparama, Mirisavetiya, Abhayagiriya, and Isurumuni Raja Maha Viharaya, all of whom bestowed their blessings upon the President.
During the proceedings, the Atamasthanadhipathi Most Venerable Hemarathana Nayake Thero delivered a poignant address, noting the immense responsibility that now rests on President Dissanayake’s shoulders.
The Thero emphasised that as a leader from the North Central Province, the President has a particular duty to uplift the lives of the region’s residents, who have long endured hardships.
He also urged the President to safeguard the nation’s people, religion, and heritage.
The Thero acknowledged the complexities of the current political environment, expressing hope that President Dissanayake, with his wisdom and insight, could foster a more positive political culture in the country.
He further encouraged the President to focus on creating a comprehensive national policy that would benefit all citizens in the long term, noting that collaboration with Parliament members would be key to achieving this goal.
Following the religious proceedings at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, President Dissanayake visited the revered Ruwanwelisaya, where he received further blessings from Chief Incumbent Venerable Ethalawetunawewa Gnanatilake Nayaka Thero.
The President participated in additional religious ceremonies before concluding his visit.
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including the Governor of the North Central Province Wasantha Jinadasa, District Secretary Ranjith Wimalasuriya, former MP Wasantha Samarasinghe, and representatives from the All Ceylon Farmers’ Federation, among others.
