President Rajapaksa declares open several Wesak Pandals
and Wesak Zones in Colombo.
The entire country is illuminated with colorful lanterns and Pandals depicting stories of Buddha’s life while thousands have thronged to the capital Colombo to observe the decorations. The President who toured Colombo joined in opening several beautiful Wesak Pandals, Lanters and Dansalas.
The President first joined in unveiling the golden casket in which the Sacred Relics of Seevali Maha Rahath Thera are deposited at the Sri Sambodhi Vihare in Colombo to give an opportunity for the devotees to pay obeisance to the Sacred Relics. The President offered the first Gilampasa to the seven Buddha statues sculptured with 24 Karat Gold and brought from Thailand. After venerating the Sacred Relics of the Seevali Maha Rahath Thera, the President joined in opening the Ranveta which has been built around the reconstructed Bodhiya of the Sambodhi Vihare. He then placed a Chain embedded with gems around the Bodhiya. President Rajapaksa also declared open the Wesak Zone of the Sri Sambodhi Vihare. Members of the Maha Sangha including the Mahanayake of the Amarapura Sri Sangha Sabha the Most Ven. Davuldena Gnanissara Thera and Chief Incumbent of the Sri Sambodhi Vihare the Ven. Daranaagama Kusaladhamma Thera were present.
The President next joined in the opening of the Diyawanna Wesak Zone, launched on a concept of the Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera. The President first offered flowers to the Buddha Statue at Palamthota and thereafter opened the Wesak Zone. The Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera delivered a special Anusasana on the occasion. Present were Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Chiefs of the Armed Forces and the Police.
The President who visited the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress, venerated the Sacred Relics brought from the Asgirigedige Raja Maha Vihare. He then opened the Bauddhaloka Wesak Zone.
President of the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress Jagath Sumathipala was present.
The opening of the Wesak Pandal put up by the Traders Association of the Pettah Manning Market also took places under the patronage of the President.
Finally, the President visited the Rice Dansala organized at the residence of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa under his guidance, joined in exchanging pleasantries with the people who patronized in the Dansala.
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