Special religious ceremonies

DEHIWELA: A special religious ceremony was conducted at the historical Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya last Saturday, to mark President Mahinda Rajapaksa's 61st Birth Day and to invoke blessings on the President, the Armed Forces, the Police and the masses of Sri Lanka.

The ceremony organized by the President's Office was attended by a large number of political representatives in the area. The religious observances included a special "Pahan Pooja", a "Nelum Mal Pooja", and chanting of "Seth Pirith".

Delivering an Anusasana on the occasion, Viharadhipathi Ven. Professor Bellanwila Wimalaratana Nayaka Thera stated that the efforts of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to bring together all the parties in order to face the many challenges before the nation are highly commendable.

The venerable Thera emphasised the importance of the people's cooperation as a paramount duty in strengthening the hand of the President.