Presidential candidate visits religious leaders for blessing

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Presidential candidate of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Gotabaya Rajapaksa paid homage to the Atamasthana along with the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura today (August 13). Gotabaya Rajapaksa called on Atamasthanadhipathi, Venerable Pallegama Siriniwasa Thero and obtained his blessings. Opposition Leader, Mahinda Rajapaksa and former First Lady, Shiranthi Rajapaksa also accompanied Gotabaya Rajapaksa on this visit. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa then paid homage to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. Following that, a Seth Pirith chanting was held to bless the SLPP presidential candidate. Thereafter Gotabaya Rajapaksa visited the Mirisawetiya Sacred Grounds and called on the Chief Incumbent, Venerable Ithala-Watunu Wawe Gnanathilake Thero and obtained blessings. The group also called at the Lankaramaya and got the blessings of the Chief Incumbent, Venerable Ralapanawe Dhamma-Jothi Thero. The Thero blessing, Gotabaya Rajapaksa said "Everyone can't engage in politics. There should be a political background". Subsequently, Gotabaya Rajapaksa paid homage at the Abayagiri Stupa and called on the Chief Incumbent, Venerable Kalanchiye Seelarathana Thero. The group also met with the Chief Incumbent, Venerable Pothane Dhammananda Thero of the Abayagiriya Purwaramaya. The Presidential Candidate continued to the Kuttam Pokuna - Raja Maha Viharaya and called on the Chief Incumbent, Ihalagama Pawarakiththi Thero and then called on the Chief Incumbent of the Jayanthi Viaharaya, Venerable Nugethanne Pagnananda Thero. Gotabaya Rajapaksa also visited the Chief Incumbent of the Chethavanarama, Venerable Ihala Halmillawe Rathanapala Thero to be blessed. Venerable Ihala Halmillawe Rathanapala Thero stated that the highway construction which was launched by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is still being completed and it's a righteous leader's duty to carry out this task after him as it is the secret behind developed countries.