Upon his arrival at the historic 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 their meeting, the President inquired about the well-being of the Venerable Thero, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
Following the discussion, President Dissanayake proceeded to the Udamaluwa and took part in religious observances. At the main Dhamma Hall of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the Atamasthana Chief Prelate, along with the Maha Sangha, performed Seth Pirith and invoked blessings upon the President.
Several other distinguished members of the Maha Sangha also attended the ceremony, including the Chief Incumbents of Lankarama Viharaya, Ruwanweli Chathyaramaya, Thuparama Chathyaramaya, Mirisavetiya Chathyaramaya, Abhayagiri Chathyaramaya, the historic Isurumuni Raja Maha Viharya, and the Anuradhapura Sri Sambuddha Jayanti Viharaya.
During his brief address, Most Venerable Pallekumbura Hemarathana Nayake Thero emphasized that the responsibility of uplifting the lives of the country’s innocent people and safeguarding the nation, race, and religion now rests on the shoulders of President Dissanayake. He further noted that, as a leader from the North Central Province (Raja Rata), the President has a special duty to improve the lives of those in the region, who have long faced hardships.
The Thero also remarked on the challenging political environment but expressed faith in the President’s ability to foster a healthier political culture. He encouraged the President to establish a long-term national policy with the support of all Members of Parliament, viewing it as a significant milestone for the country.
Later, President Dissanayake visited the Ruwanwelisaya, where he received blessings from the Chief Incumbent, Venerable Ethalawetunawewa Gnanatilake Nayaka Thero. The President participated in further religious observances in front of the Ruwanwelisaya, with the Maha Sangha chanting Seth Pirith to invoke blessings upon him.
Among those in attendance were North Central Province Governor Wasantha Jinadasa, District Secretary Ranjith Wimalasuriya, former MP Wasantha Samarasinghe, Deputy Chairman of the All Ceylon Farmers’ Federation Susanta Navaratne, and Professor Sena Nanayakkara, according to the PMD.
