Buddhist prayers at Mirisawetiya Maha Seya to invoke blessings
November 15, 2020- Religious observances to combat the spreading deadly virus
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa participated in a religious ceremony held at the Mirisawetiya Maha Seya premises in Anuradhapura last evening (Nov 14).
The ceremony has been organized to invoke blessings on Sri Lankans and the entire world to get rid of the current pandemic situation.
Prime Minister and the Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Hon. Mahinda Rajapaksa and Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne were also present at the event.
The event also marked the completion of one year of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa since his assumption of office and to invoke blessings on Prime Minister for his Birthday.
The religious ceremony was presided over by the Most Ven. Dimbulkumbure Wimaladhamma Anunayaka Thero of Malwathu Chapter.
The event was attended by 500 theros from all parts of the island under the guidance of Chief Sangha Nayaka of the North Central Province of the Siyam Nikaya Malwathu Chapter, Incumbent of Atamasthana Most Ven. Pallegama Siriniwasa thero, and under the supervision of Chief Incumbent of the Mirisawetiya Temple Ven. Ethalawetunawewa Gnanatilake Thero.
Both President and the Prime Minister garlanded the King Dutugemunu statue at the venue.
Delivering the dharma sermon, Venerable Maha Sanga invoked blessings on personnel involved in COVID – 19 pandemic prevention activities including those who are untiringly working in the healthcare sector and Security Forces.
A similar event to invoke blessings was also held at the Ruwanwali Maha Seya in Anuradhapura on November 13 under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Pirith and Rathana Suthra were recited during the periods of plague and disease since the past while continuing long existed religious performs as taught by Lord Buddha.
Pirith chanting as a forceful protective measure has been used to eliminate evil spirits and to protect the society from evil influences and pestilences in the past.
The recitals are chanted by Buddhist monks in such circumstances as practiced in the city of Vishala to eliminate disease and famine.
Venerable Maha Sanga, Ministers, Parliamentarians, Northern Province Governor, Tri-Forces Commanders, Acting Inspector General of Police, Director General Civil Security Department and Healthcare and State Sector Officials were also present at the event.
