Pirith chanting by 60 monks from 42 temples in United States

Philip FERNANDO Our, Correspondent in USA

A historic event took place at the Sri Lanka Embassy, Washington DC for the first time.

Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya and the staff of the Sri Lanka Embassy organised an all night Pirith Chanting Ceremony, to invoke blessings of the Maha Sangha for peace and prosperity in Sri Lanka, the United States and rest of the World on September 27 with the participation of all Chief Incumbents and 60 monks in all, from Sri Lankan Buddhist temples in the USA.

The Pirith ceremony was followed by an alms giving at the Ambassador's residence on September 28. The proceedings were in keeping with the vision and policies laid out in the Mahinda Chintana and tradition of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington D.C of commemorating the important religious festivals of all four world religions practiced in Sri Lanka.

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama and Education Minister Susil Premajayantha were also present prior to their return to Sri Lanka after participating in the 63rd Session of the UN General Assembly.

The Foreign Minister briefed Sri Lankans on the important steps being taken by the Government to bring lasting peace and development to Sri Lanka.

The Foreign Minister elaborated on the important statement made by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, in front of the world leaders at the United Nations General Assembley on 24 September, 2008 and the wide acclaim received by that statement.

He also outlined developments in the Eastern Province and indicated that the Government hopes to bring democracy and development to the Northern Province in the near future.

The Chief Incumbents from all Sri Lankan Temples throughout the USA were very appreciative of the hard work and tremendous coordination that had resulted in such a historic gathering of the Buddhist clergy from throughout the USA.

In the comments made by the Chief Incumbents many glowing accolades were paid to President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Government of Sri Lanka and Ambassador Wickramasuriya for the important work being undertaken by them.