Jan 01, Colombo: Sri Lanka President, Mahinda Rajapaksa, before commencing work in the new year proceeded to the sacred city of Anuradhapura to observe religious rituals at Sri Maha Bodhiya and Ruwanweli Maha Seya.

Maha Sanga blessed the President after performing religious functions. Atamastanadhipathi Ven. Pallegama Sirinivasa Nayaka Thero, Chief Sangha of Ruwanweli Maha Seya Ven Pallegama Hemarathana Thero and Lankaramadhipathi Ven. Ralapanawe Dammajothi Thero and several other monks were present to invoke blessings. Chief Minister of the North Central Province Berty Premalal Dissanayake, Governor Karunarathne Diulgane, Ministers H.M. Chandrasena and Duminda Dissanayake were also present.

Pictures by Sudath Silva