President Mahinda Rajapaksa graced the first day of the Gangarama Navam Perahara yesterday, along with several dignitaries. Seen here are President Rajapaksa, Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thera of the Gangarama Temple garlanding the relic casket on top of the tusker. Pix by Samantha Perera