President's birthday wishes to Asgiriya Maha Nayaka Thera

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has sent the following message to Most Ven. Udugama Sri Dhammadassi Rathanapala Buddharakkhithabhidana Maha Nayaka Thera on his 83rd birthday.

"I am privileged to convey my sincere greetings to the Most Ven. Aggamaha Panditha, Sahitya Chakravarthi Udugama Sri Dhammadassi Rathanapala Buddharakkhithabhidana Thera, Maha Nayaka of the Asgiriya Chapter on his 83rd birthday.

"It was the Maha Sangha who was in the forefront to protect the country and the Buddha Sasana in times of peril. Your invaluable advice and guidance was a source of strength to me and the Security Forces to ward off the evils of terrorism.

"How you visited every nook and corner of the country in chanting Seth Pirith to invoke blessings on the country is still fresh in our minds.

"I wish you good health and a long, healthy life with the blessings of the Noble Triple Gem and the Sacred Tooth Relic so that you would serve the Buddha Sasana for a long time to come".