Initially, President Mahinda Rajapaksa after paying obeisance to the Kirivehera participated at the special pooja held at Kataragama Maha Devala. He also visited the other devalas and secured blessings.
The President also participated at the annual all night Pirith Chanting held in memory of the Late Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bndaranaike and Sirimavo Bandaranaike at the Kataragma SAcred City on Dec.31st night.
A group including First Lady Shiranthi Wickremasinghe Rajapaksa, Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, Uva Province Chief Minister Shashindra Rajapaksa, Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa were present on the occasion.
The President also mingling with the large number of devotees who were present at the Kataragama Sacred Area to secure blessings for the New Year took time to extend them New Year greetings. (KH)
