President fetes prelate on 82nd birthday

The Most Ven Aggamahapandita Udugama Sri Buddharakkhita Mahanayake Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter is leading a virtuous life in keeping with the Dhamma and offering advice to everyone in a friendly and courteous manner. The Mahanayake Thera is a good example to the nation, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said in a message of greeting to the prelate on his 82nd birthday which falls today.

The President said he took pleasure in extending greetings to Most Ven Udugama Saddhammakeerthi Sri Dhammasiddhi Ratanapala Buddharakkhithabhidana Mahanayake Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Maha Vihara Vansika Shamopali Maha Nikaya and Viharadhipati, Rangiri Dambulu Raja Maha Viharaya.

The President said that the Mahanayake Thera is fortunate to hold the supreme post of the Mahanayake Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter

when the Asgiriya Maha Viharaya celebrates its 700th anniversary this year.

"If any one received an opportunity to conduct attendant rituals to the Sacred Tooth Relic it is a great merit. The Mahanayake Thera's fortune of being able to render this service symbolised his virtue."

The President in his message said that the Mahanayake Thera has strong attachment and affection to the country and he is frank in his comments on matters affecting the country and nation.

The Mahanayake Thera is a great source of strength to the country and the world at large. May the blessings of the Noble Triple Gem and the Sacred Tooth Relic bestow the Mahanayake Thera with good health and long life, the President said.