President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura on Saturday (05) afternoon to pay homage and receive blessings.

Upon his arrival at the historic Anuradhapura sacred site, the President first met with the Atamasthanadhipathi, Chief Sanghanayaka of Nuwara Kalaviya, and Chief Administrator of the Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya, Most Venerable Pallekumbura Hemarathana Nayake Thero. During this meeting, the President engaged in a brief discussion, inquiring about the Venerable Thero’s well-being.

Following this, the President proceeded to the Udamaluwa, where he participated in religious observances. At the main Dhamma Hall of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the Chief Prelate of the Atamasthana , along with the Maha Sangha, conducted Seth Pirith and invoked blessings upon the President.

Also present at this religious ceremony were other clergy including the Chief Incumbent of the Lankarama Viharaya Most Venerable Ralapanave Dhammajothi Nayake Thero , the Chief Incumbent of Ruwanweli Chaithyaramaya Venerable Ethalawetunawewa Gnanatilake Thero, the Chief Incumbent of Thuparama Chathyaramaya Venerable Kahalle Gnaninda Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Mirisavetiya Chaithyaramaya Venerable Welihena Sobitha Thero, the Chief Incumbent of Abhayagiri Chathyaramaya Venerable Dr. Kalanchiye Rathanasiri Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Historic Isurumuni Raja Maha Viharya Venerable Matawa Sumangala Thero and the Chief Incumbent of Anuradhapura Sri Sambuddha Jayanti Viharaya Venerable Nugatenne Pangnananda Thero.

During his brief address, the Atamasthanadhipathi Most Venerable Pallekumbura Hemarathana Nayake Thero emphasized that the responsibility of uplifting the lives of the innocent people of this country and protecting the nation, race, and religion now rests on the shoulders of President  Dissanayake.

The Thero also pointed out that, as a leader emerging from the North Central Province (Raja Rata), the President has a special obligation to improve the lives of the people in the region who have long endured hardships. He further added that the Maha Sangha of the Mahavihara bestows their blessings upon the President to fulfill these responsibilities successfully.

The Chief Prelate went on to observe that the current political environment is not conducive to someone with wisdom and insight. However, the Maha Sangha believes that the new President has the ability to foster a healthy political culture in the country.

Venerable Hemarathana Thero also highlighted the importance of establishing a National Policy, stressing that if the President can craft a long-term, beneficial national policy with the support of all Members of Parliament, it would be a significant achievement.

Afterwards, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited the Ruwanweliseya, where he received blessings from  Chief Incumbent, Venerable Ethalawetunawewa Gnanatilake Nayaka Thero.

Subsequently, the President participated in religious observances held in front of the Ruwanwelisaya, during which the Maha Sangha chanted Seth Pirith to invoke blessings upon the President.

Governor of the North Central Province Wasantha Jinadasa, District Secretary Ranjith Wimalasuriya, former MP Wasantha Samarasinghe, Deputy Chairman of the All Ceylon Farmers’ Federation Susantha Navaratne, and Professor Sena Nanayakkara, along with others, were also present at these events.