Ven. Ralapanawe Dhammajothi Nayaka Thera, the Chief Incumbent of the historic Lankarama Chethiya said that the nation is ever grateful to President Mahinda Rajapaksa for eradicating the LTTE terrorism within two and half years. He pointed out that the LTTE menace had dragged on for three decades under the regime of four Executive Presidents and they failed to redeem the country from terrorism.

President Rajapaksa yesterday (January 19) obtained the blessings of the Maha Sangha in Anuradhapura at the Jayasri Maha Bodhi. The Maha Sangha chanted Jaya Pirith for the victory of the President at the Presidential Election. One thousand five hundred bhikkus headed by Atamasthanadhipathi Ven. Dr. Pallegama Sirinivasa Nayaka Thera, Ruwanweli Chethiyaramadhipathi Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thera and Ven. Nugethenne Pagnanandha Nayaka Thera, Chief Incumbent of Anuradhapura Jayanthi temple participated.

Ven. Dhammajothi Nayaka Thera in his special Anusasana said the grateful Maha Sangha community in the country would be with the President by his side at all times.

“You have proved your greatness in deeds, fearlessness, boldness and thorough statesmanship by eradicating the LTTE menace that dragged on for three decades under the regime of four Executive Presidents who failed to redeem the country from terrorism, within two and half years.

You once pledged that even by sacrificing your life you would save the country from the LTTE jaws and executed and completely fulfilled your promise. The nation is ever grateful to you,” the Prelate said. President Rajapaksa after the religious observances were over offered 1,500 members of Maha Sangha with Alms at the ‘Maha Vihara’ auditorium in ‘Maha Mevuna Uyana.’

North Central Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake had arranged the “Jaya Pirith” Pinkama and alms giving.

North Central Governor Karunaratne Divulgane, Ministers S.M. Chandrasena and Duminda Dissanayake were also present at the occasion.