President initiates annual repainting work of Ruwanweli Maha Seya

Atapattu Bandara

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday initiated work on the annual repainting of the Ruwanweli Maha Seya amid the blessings of the Maha Sangha and the devotees who thronged the Ruwanweli Maha Seya premises yesterday.

The President participated in religious observances conducted by the Ruwanseli Maha Seya Chief Incumbent Ven. Pallegama Hemarathna Nayaka Thera.

The Ruwanweli Seya which is 338 feet in height and 942 feet in circumference is painted annually before the Vesak and Poson season.

The repainting of the stupa is considered as a most venerated task and this is carried out with great dignity and enthusiasm. Rs. five million will be spent for this purpose.

The President also called on the Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweli Seya Ven. Pallegama Hemarathna Nayaka Thera and offered Atapirikara.

Members of the Maha Sangha commended the President 's initiative to develop the district and the Mahamewna Uyana Sacred Area. Agrarian and Wildlife Minister S.M. Chandrasena, Irrigation and water Management Deputy Minister W.B.Ekanayake , North Central Province (NCP) Governor Karunarathna Diulgane, NCP Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake and Presidential Chief of Staff Gamini Senarath were also present.