New head for Ramanna Nikaya appointed

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said on Thursday that the appointment of Ven. Makulewe Wimala Thera as the Mahanayake of the Ramanna Maha Nikaya was a blessing to the Sambuddha Sasana and to Buddhists worldwide.

The President said so at a ceremony to mark the presentation of traditional Aktha Pathra to the Mahanayake Thera, signifying the latter’s elvation to the position of Mahanayake, at the Independence Hall, Colombo. The President presented the Sannas Pathra to the newly appointed Mahanayake Thera while the Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa offered the Vijini Patha (the fan).

Political leaders, including PM Rajapaksa, former President
Sirisena, and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa at the event

The President said that the government was committed to safeguarding the Sasana.

A book, ‘Abhinandana’ authored by Prof. Raluwe Padmasiri Thera, was also launched at the event. Former President Maithripala Sirisena and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa offered Prasada Pooja to the new Mahanayake Thera. Maha Sangha of the Three Nikayas, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Ministers, Governors, Ambassadors, Chairman of the Dayaka Sabha of Ramanna Maha Nikaya former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and Secretary State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Secretary to the President Gamini Senarath, Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake and government officials, members of the Dayaka Sabha and relatives of the Mahanayake Thera were also present at the occasion.