President commends Thailand's support to Sri Lanka

Apr 27, Colombo: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has said that Sri Lanka has a strong friendship with Thailand and the ties between the two countries, both practicing Theravada Buddhism, are strong .

He commended the support being given to Sri Lanka by Thailand at international forums when a special Buddhist Delegation from Thailand met him at Temple Trees Saturday. The eight-member Thai Buddhist delegation is in Sri Lanka on a six-day visit.

During yesterday meeting, a member of the delegation, the Most Venerable Long Poha Somikiyawi Chithamaro Nayaka Thero who is resident of the Udonthaani Province of Thailand chanted Seth Pirith and invoked blessings on the President.

 

At the end of their visit the delegation will take back to Thailand three Bo saplings and three five-foot high Buddha statues from the Kothmale Mahaweli Maha Seya Viharaya. The President offered a Bo sapling to the Thai delegation yesterday.

The coordinating officer of the Thai delegation Mrs. Penny Kumbari said that the Thai delegation very much appreciate the opportunity accorded to them to visit Sri Lanka and indulge in worshiping activities and the hospitality of the Sri Lankan people.

President's Coordinating Secretary for Religious Affairs Ven. Watinapaha Somananda Thero and Chairperson of Global Tsunami relief Services Ven. Kirama

Dhammananda thero were also present at the occasion.

Photos by Chandana Perera

Source: colombopage.com (Apr. 27, 2014)