June 19, Anuradhapura: President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday declared open the newly reconstructed Jethawana Stupa at Anuradhapura, the third century AD brick dagoba built by King Mahasen.

The President was escorted around the Stupa in a procession before unveiling the commemorative plaque of the opening . President Rajapaksa addressed the massive crowd gathered at the occasion before proceeding to visit Ruwanveli mahasaya for a lotus offering ceremony. Mahanayake of Asgiri Chapter Ven.Udugama Sri Buddha Rakkitha Thero, Atamasanathipathi Dr.Ven.Pallegama Sirinivasa Thero and Mahasanga, Ministers Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Mahinda Amaraweera, Tissa Karaliyadda, North Central province Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake were also present.

Picture by Sudath Silva