The president after securing the blessings of the Maha Sangha, paid floral tributes to the statue of the late Anagarika Dharmapala located at the premises of the Mahabodhi Agrashawaka Maha Viharaya.  Speaking on the occasion, the President recalling the untiring efforts of  - Anagarika Dharmapala in building an independent nation said that following the foot steps of Dharmapala would help to lead a virtuous life.  

Subsequently, the President paid homage to the Sacred Relics of Sariputta and Moggallana arahath theros placed at the Mahabodhi Agrashawaka Maha Viharaya.

It was on April 29, 1933 that Anagarika Dharmapala died at Saranath at the age of 69 gazing at the Mulagandakuti Vihara, where he spent his last days, wishing that he be "reborn again twenty-five times to spread Lord Buddha's Dhamma".

Sir Baron Jayatillaka paying tribute to the Anagarika Dharmapala when his ashes were brought to Colombo form India said "Without doubt it was the Anagarika Dharmapala who brought about the national regeneration of Ceylon. He showed the way and others followed. Indeed it may be said that there has not been in Ceylon in the last two or three centuries a national leader who served his people and his religion with such self sacifice, singleness of purpose and altruism as the Anagarika Dharmapala".