Religious ceremonies to invoke blessings on President Rajapaksa's birthday

Religious ceremonies to invoke blessings on President Rajapaksa's birthday By Janaka Alahapperuma Nov 19, 2009
Various religious programmes are being organised countywide to invoke blessings on President Mahinda Rajapaksa on his 64th birthday and overnight Pirith Chanting was conducted at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (18th November) to celebrate the birthday and the fourth anniversary in assumption of duties as Executive President. President Rajapaksa also spent his birthday engaging in various religious observances yesterday. Last evening he attended a special Bodhi Puja at Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya and a Buddhist sermon was delivered by the Viharadhipathi of the Temple, Venerable Professor Bellanwila Wimalarathana Thero. Another religious ceremony was held at the Kirivehera Raja Maha Viharaya in Kataragama yesterday to invoke blessings on the President, the country and the valiant Armed Forces. All night Pirith Chanting was organised and alms giving ceremony was held this morning at the Kirivehera Temple premises. Minister Wadiwel Suresh MP, representing upcountry Tamils wished and garlanded the President in Hindu traditions. TNA parliamentarian Mr Sivanadan Krishna MP also wished the President on his birthday at Temple Trees. The Seth Pirith Chanting ceremony at Presidential Secretariat was organised under the patronage of Mr Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the President. First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the Speaker Mr. W. J. M. Loku Bandara and many others were present at the religious ceremony. Pix By: Sudath Silva and Nalin Hewapathirana