Greeting the Leader:

Surprise for jubilant crowds

Rasika SOMARATHNA

President Rajapaksa who had to curtail public appearances earlier due to the threat of terrorism, mingled with the crowds freely, visiting many locations within the city where celebrations were taking place, which was symbolic of the newly found freedom.

The noise over the Colombo skies, emanating from the celebrating masses rose to a crescendo, with the sudden and unexpected appearance of the President, adding spice to their joy.

People were seeing embracing and worshiping the President delighted by his unannounced surprise visit and thanking him for freeing the country from the clutches of terrorism.

The President visited areas such as Thimbirigasyaya, Kirulapone, Nugegoda, Maharagama , Boralesgamauwa etc., alighting from his vehicle at every street corner to greet the jubilant crowds.

During his tour he also paid a sudden visit to a house that had organised a pirith chanting ceremony to invoke blessings on the President, Security Forces and the Nation in general. Later the President visited the Udamaluwa at the Bellanwila Raja Mahaviharaya to pay homage and met the Bhikkhus at the temple, where they invoked blessings on the President. During the tour, a visibly moved President told the children, who were gathering around him in their numbers at every corner, that the nation had been freed for them and their future was assured.

“You can walk to all corners of this island freely without fear now”, a smiling President told the children.