President meets pilgrims at Kataragama

KATARAGAMA: President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday made a sudden visit to Kataragama Sacred Shrine and spoke to devotees present.

The President who participated in the religious observances at Kiri Vehera officiated by Ven. Aluthwewa Soratha Thera, incumbent monk of Kiri Vehera temple also took part in the Pooja at the Kataragama Devalaya.

Devotees come to Kataragama from far and near to participate at the annual religious ceremonies connected with the festival specially the Pada Yathra pilgrims who come on foot passing miles from North and East Provinces.

The President who was present at the Sacred grounds helped in the distribution of food at Dansala organised by the devotees themselves.

President Rajapaksa who freely moved with the people at the Sacred area spoke with them. People were full of praise to the President who liberated them from the clutches of the LTTE terrorists.

The President’s attention was drawn to the problems faced by the people living in these areas and the President assured them that all necessary steps would be taken to develop North and East to protect and raise the living conditions of the people.

Youth Welfare and Social Economic Development Minister Arumugam Thondaman, Deputy Minister Suresh Wadiwel, President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunge and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa were with the President.