Prime Minister engages in religious observances at Kataragama

COLOMBO (News 1st):- Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa engaged in religious observances at the Kataragama sacred grounds this morning (December 14). He first paid homage to the Kiri Vehera. Subsequently, the Prime Minister called on the Chief Incumbent of the Kataragama Kiri Vehera, Venerable Kobawaka Dhammananda Thero and obtained his blessings. The Prime Minister then paid homage to the Kataragama Ashtapala Bodhiya. He also paid homage to the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya this evening and engaged in religious observances. Subsequently, the Prime Minister visited the Kataragama Sri Abinawarama Temple and called on Venerable Kapugama Sarana Tissa Thero and obtained his blessings. Speaking to the Venerable Kapugama Sarana Tissa Thero, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa assured that there are many temples around the island that lack sanitary facilities, where some Theros don't even have alms and added that they will take care of everything regardless of the cost. Subsequently, the Prime Minister visited the official residence of the Kataragama Basnayaka Nilame and called on the acting Basnayaka Nilame Dilruwan Rajapaksa.