President pays homage to Dalada Maligawa

Suraj A. Bandara

President Mahinda Rajapaksa paid homage to the Dalada Maligawa yesterday after being sworn in as President for the second term. The President and First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa were welcomed by Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela Bandara and Nilames of the main four devales.

The President participated in religious observances offered gilanpasa Pooja to the Tooth Relic.

The President also offered a golden tray and a silver casket to the Dalada Maligawa.

President Rajapaksa also called on the Chief Incumbent of the Asgiriya Chapter Most Ven Udugama Sri Buddha Rakkitha Maha Nayaka Thera.

He later called on the Chief Incumbent of the Malwatte Chapter Most Ven Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Mahanayake Thera at the Malwathu Maha Viharaya. The Maha Sangha invoked blessings on President Rajapaksa by chanting pirith.

Central Province Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake, Namal Rajapaksa MP and Yoshitha Rajapaksa also participated.