Commander receives blessings in Kandy

Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka after he took office as 18th Commander in the Army took time off during the weekend (11th December 2005) to pay obeisance to the sacred Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of Tooth Relic) in Kandy and receive blessings from the two Maha Nayakes (prelates) of Malwatte and Asgiriya chapters on his new appointment.

Lt. General Fonseka offered flowers and performed religious rites at the Sri Dalada Maligawa after the Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela Bandara received the Commander and his entourage on arrival at the inner chamber to the temple.

Afterwards, in keeping with age-old traditions, the Commander met both Maha Nayake theras at their monasteries in Kandy and received blessings on the new appointment. Both prelates exchanged views with Lt. General Fonseka on current security developments and other matters of national interest. Asgiriya Maha Nayake Thero was represented by his deputy, Ven Galayaye Attadassi Thera.

Commander Lt. Gen Fonseka offered Ata Pirikara to the prelates before he took leave. Mrs Anoma Foseka and one of his daughters, Aparna were also associated with his tour to Kandy.