President addresses Sri Lankans in Canberra

Bhadra Kamal Karunaratne from Canberra

AUSTRALIA: President Mahinda Rajapaksa, on his 61st Birthday had an opportunity of addressing Sri Lankans domiciled in Canberra, Australia, by joining them over the telephone connected to the "Helahanda" Radio Service.

It was at 6.15 a.m. (Sri Lankan time) 11.45 a.m. (Canberra time) that the President addressed Sri Lankans while receiving the blessings of the Triple Gem and the guardian deities to guide the nation. Steps had been organized to facilitate broadcasting of the President's message which was well received by all listeners in Australia.

The President while receiving the warm greetings and wishes of peace and prosperity extended to him by a large crowd of Sri Lankans who had assembled at the Canberra Buddhist Temple emphasised the importance of the participation of expatriates to uplift their Motherland.

The event to bless Sri Lanka and its people, and to bestow merits on fallen war heroes to coincide with the 61st Birthday of President Mahinda Rajapaksa was organized by the Sinhala Cultural Association.

Ven. M. Nandaratana Nayaka Thera, the Viharadhipathi of the Canberra Buddhist Temple conducted the religious observances that included a Buddha Pooja, the offering of alms to the Maha Sangha and Pan Vedeem in remembrance of our war heroes.

Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Australia, K. Balapatabendi addressed the gathering.

The "Kepakaru Maapiya" project provided relief to Navy personnel.