President graces State Katina ceremony

COLOMBO (News 1st); The State Katina ceremony and the festival of the saffron coloring of robes were held under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Sri Miyugunarama Raja Maha Viharaya, Colabagama , Kurunegala, on Sunday (14).

This is considered to be the second occasion since the reign of King Parakramabahu II to hold a Katina ceremony sponsored by the state.

It is the tradition since the days of ancient kings to cultivate cotton, spin yarn, and use the cotton cloth woven from yarn to sew the Cheevara (Bhikkus robe) and present it to Maha Sangha.

Arriving at the Katina Cheevara Pooja ceremony organized by the State Ministry of Batik, Handloom Fabric and Local Apparel Products under the guidance of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa , the President met the Chief Incumbent of Sri Miyugunarama Raja Maha Viharaya , Ven.Galhepitiye Pemarathana Thero and received blessings.

Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara conducted the ceremony of saffron colour dyeing of robe, mixing medicinal herbs to the dyeing pot and offering it to Mahasangha.

President bequeathed the Katina Cheevara to Maha Sangha.

The noon alms were offered by the President and Ministers to the Maha Sangha.

The President handed over identity cards to six parents who had bequeathed their children to the Sambuddha Sasana, marking the inauguration of the 'Buduputh Mapiya Harasara' national programme stated in the National Policy Framework ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’.

The President also attended the rituals held at the ancient Vishnu Maha Devalaya at the temple premises.

President Rajapaksa inaugurating the programme to plant 100,000 Gini Waraka plants island wide under the theme 'Bath Gasata Pana Demu' planted a Gini Waraka plant at the temple premises.

Simultaneously, a programme to plant one million jackfruit plants within three years was also launched.