President calls on Chief Prelates

COLOMBO (News 1st) - President Gotabaya Rajapaksa visited the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy today and obtained blessings. The President who arrived at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy was welcomed by the Chief Custodian of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth relic Pradeep Nilanga Dela. As per the tradition, it is customary that the leader of the nation obtains blessings from the Temple of the Sacred Tooth relic after taking office. Subsequent to paying homage to the sacred tooth relic, he marked the arrival of the new president by signing the special guest's commemorative book. The President who left the premises of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth relic received a warm welcome from the public who were gathered outside the premises. After obtaining blessings at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth relic, the president then called on the Mahanayaka of the Malwatte Chapter of the Siam sect and the other clergy of the chapter. The Maha Sangha who bestowed their blessings on the President also presented a souvenir to him. Most Ven. Niyangoda Vijitha Siri Thero, Anunayake of Malwatte Chapter of the Siam Sect: "The Maha Sanga has understood that there was a fear for the future security of this nation and fears of external influence on this nation. Therefore, the Maha Sangha acted in a peaceful and fruitful manner towards your victory because of the love we have towards this country. We are glad because national security is ensured. Also because the future expectations of the country will be realized. The country will prosper. We are confident that you will be able to fulfil all that you aspire." Consequently, the President then arrived at the Asgiri Maha Vihara. The President called on the Maha Sangha including Chief Prelate of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siam Sect The Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathna thero at the Mangala Sri Uposathagaraya. Most Ven. Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathna Thero, Mahanayake of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siam Sect: "People of this country have extremely high hopes for you. The whole country was filled with delight when that expectation was fulfilled. We saw how the whole country believed in you as someone who can think and someone who knows. You have a good vision, and you have good plans, so take this country out of this rut as soon as you can and take the people towards a life of prosperity. We have the faith that you can do that." Most Ven. Anamaduwe Dhammadhassi Thero, Anunayake - Asgiriya Chapter of the Siam Sect: You are the President to all people of all religions in this country. Understand that well. If one group is trying to break away from the main direction and if they are going astray, they must be brought back to the middle path. By launching programs to win over the hearts and minds of all, with everyone's participation, and while protecting our Sinhalese Buddhist identity, I have no doubt we can go towards being a prosperous country." The Maha Sangha then recited Pirith to invoke blessings on the President. The president arrived at the Manikhina Hurikaduwa Widyasagara Pirivena to call upon the chief prelate of the Ramayana Maha Nikaya, Most Venerable Napane Pemasiri Thero and obtained his blessings.