Religious ceremonies to bless President

Suraj A Bandara

Islandwide religious observances to invoke blessings on President Mahinda Rajapaksa will be held on November 11. These ceremonies have been arranged to mark President Rajapaksa’s swearing in for the second term and his 65th birthday.

Prime Minister D M Jayaratne said several religious ceremonies have been organized throughout the country to mark the historic day.

Over 10,400 Buddhist temples and other religious institutions in the country will arrange religious observances to bless the President.

Prime Minister Jayaratne said the Sangha will chant pirith throughout the country while over 250 Buddhist monks will travel in a special ship chanting pirith from the Galle harbour to the Hambantota harbour.

These religious ceremonies have been organized by the Prime Minister’s Office together with the Buddhasasana and Religious Affairs Ministry.

Prime Minister Jayaratne said religious ceremonies will be held in other countries as well to mark the historic occasion.