New Lankan envoy in US attends religious ceremonies

Washington: Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya visited places of worship in Greater Washington to participate in religious activities and met with religious dignitaries representing the Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic and Christian faiths.

The Ambassador received blessings from Ven.Maharagama Dhammasiri Nayaka of the Washington Buddhist Vihara, Ven.Katugastota Uparathana of the International Buddhist Center in Maryland, Shri Vishweswaran and Shri Muralithar Sharma of the Murugan Temple of North America, Sri Sivanathakuru S Kurukkal of the Vishnu Temple, Dr. Abdullah Muhhamad Khouj of Islamic Center of Washington DC and Rev. Fr. Cliffs of the Basilica of National Shrine of Immaculate in Washington DC.

At the Washington Buddhist Vihara Ambassador participated in special religious services. Services were conducted by Chief incumbent Ven. Maharagama Dhammasiri Nayaka Thera.

At the International Buddhist Center in Wheaton, Maryland, special services were conducted by Ven. Katugastota Uparathana, Chief Incumbent.

The priests of Murugan Temple of North America, Shri Vishweswaran and Shri Muralithar Sharma offered prayers and invoked divine blessings.

The priest of Sri Siva Vishnu Temple in Lanham, Maryland, Sri Sivanathakuru S Kurukkal offered prayers and invoked divine blessings. The Ambassador was warmly welcomed by Imman of the Islamic Center Dr. Abdullah Muhhamad Khouj and members of the Muslim community.

The Ambassador met Rev. Fr. Cliffs from the Theological College of Catholic University and the Sri Lankan Catholic community at the Basilica of National Shrine of Immaculate in Washington DC.