Published on - 8/17/2004
Lieutenant General S. H. S Kottegoda, Commander of the Army and Mrs. Kottegoda with their family members were in Anuradhapura last weekend to pay their respect to Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and receive blessings on being appointed as Commander of the Army. \\r\\n\\r\\nVen. Pallegama Siri Nivasa Nayake Thera, Atamasthanadipathi (custodian for eight places of worship) invoked blessings of Triple Gem on the Army Chief and his entourage after he paid a visit to the Nayake Thera to offer Atapirikara, a formal tradition that exists over centuries.\\r\\n\\r\\nAfter making offerings to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Lt. Gen Kottegoda and entourage visited the Ruwanweli Maha Seya precincts where he was received by Ven. Pallegama Hemaratana Thera, Incumbent, Ruwanweli Maha Seya temple, before religious observances were performed at the sacred premises.\\r\\n\\r\\nDuring his stay in Anuradhapura, the entourage made offerings to several other religious places at Anuradhapura before they returned to Colombo. Major General G. B. W Jayasundera, General Officer Commanding 11 Division was also associated in the tour.
