New PM Mahinda Rajapaksa visits the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy

He said that every citizen despite their differences needed the service of state leaders and therefore state leaders should ensure that they deliver that service

Mahanayake Thera of Malwathu Chapter Most Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Mahanayake Thera, said that the government leaders should be even handed in treating people in a manner similar to the beams of moonlight bathing the entire country-side.

He made these remarks when Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa called on him. He emphasised that everyone should receive the service of the rulers without discrimination. He also instructed the new PM not to function in a biased manner.

He said that every citizen despite their differences needed the service of state leaders and therefore state leaders should ensure that they deliver that service.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa visited the Dalada Maligawa in Kandy on November 23 to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic.

The PM was given a red carpet welcome, and was received by Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela, at the Temple of the Tooth.

The Diyawadana Nilame, Pradeep Nilanga Dela along with the Basnayake Nilames of the four Devalayas led the new

PM to the relic chamber.

After paying homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic, the PM placed his signature in the book reserved for the special guests. The Diyawadana Nilame offered him a silver casket as a memento.

Afterwards, the PM visited the Malwathu Maha Viharaya and met the most reverend Thibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Mahanayake Thera, reverend Dimbulkumbure Wimaladhamma Anu Nayaka Thera and reverend Niyangoda Wijithasiri Anu Nayaka Thera.

PM Mahinda Rajapaksa then visited the Asgiri Maha Viharaya and was welcomed by the Anunayake of the Asgiriya Chapter, Reverend Anamaduwe Dhammadassi Thera and the Sangha Sabha. The monks chanted the Jaya Piritha, blessing the new PM.