President unveils Somawathi Raja Maha Viharaya Ranveta

Rasika Somarathna in Polonnaruwa

The Ranveta (gold plated fence) constructed around the Bodhiya of the historic Somawathi Raja Maha Viharaya in Polonnaruwa was unveiled by President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday.

Before proceeding to open the Ranveta, the President paid homage and offered Pooja at the Somavathi Chethiya which houses Buddha Relics. President Rajapaksa unveiled the memorial plaque amidst the chanting of pirith by the Maha Sangha to open the newly built Ranveta. He later paid homage to the Bodhiya. The President also opened the new Sanghawasa built at the Rajamaha Viharaya.

The President had laid the foundation stone to build the Sanghawasa in 2004 during his tenure as the Prime Minister.

He later participated in the dana offered to Maha Sangha by devotees.

Ministers Maithripala Sirisena, Dinesh Gunewardene, Wimal Weerawansa and Felix Perera and devotees participated.