President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited the Malwathu and Asgiriya monasteries in Kandy on Wednesday to receive blessings from senior Buddhist religious figures while attending the annual Esala Perahera festival.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake made courtesy visits to two of Kandy's most significant Buddhist institutions on Wednesday afternoon while participating in celebrations surrounding the historic Esala Perahera festival at the Sri Dalada Maligawa temple.
The President's first stop was the Malwathu Maha Viharaya, where he paid respects to the Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Mahanayake Thero, the chapter's senior religious leader. During this visit, the President received blessings and held a brief discussion with the Mahanayake Thero. He subsequently met with the Most Venerable Dimbulkumbure Wimaladhamma Anunayake Thero of the same chapter for further talks.
The President then proceeded to the Asgiriya Maha Viharaya, where he paid his respects to the Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Mahanayake Thero. During this meeting, the President inquired about the religious leader's well-being. Central Province Governor Dr Harsha Suranga accompanied the President throughout these visits.
The courtesy calls reflect the customary protocol observed by high-ranking state officials during major religious festivals in Sri Lanka. Both the Malwathu and Asgiriya chapters hold significant positions within the Kandyan Buddhist establishment and have historically wielded considerable influence in the island's religious and cultural affairs.
