President pays homage to Sri Maha Bodhi

Rohan MATHES

Devotees gathered at the Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, lauded and rejoiced President Mahinda Rajapaksa's visit yesterday, to pay homage to the Sri Maha Bodhi.

The President obtained blessings from the Atamasthanadhipathi, the Most Venerable Pallegama Sirinivasa Thera.

President Rajapaksa visited the Sri Maha Bodhi, following his surprise call at the former LTTE administrative capital of Kilinochchi.

"I came here today, to obtain blessings for the New Year, from the Sri Maha Bodhi," President Rajapaksa told the devotees.

The devotees filled with tears of joy, claimed that President Rajapaksa was the 'Saviour' of the motherland. The President later participated in the Dolosmahe Maha Pirith Sajjayanaya opposite the Ruwanweliseya Chaitha.

North Western Province Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake and Nation Building Minister S.M. Chandrasena were also present.