Sri Lanka President attends Buddhist religious functions in former war-torn areas

Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa today participated in religious functions at two major temples in the Eastern Province.

The President first visited Agbopura-Kantale Rajamaha Viharaya this morning and opened a new shrine. He offered alms for the Maha Sangha headed by Chief Incumbent of the Raja Maha Viharaya Venerable Agbopura Gnanawimala Nayake thera. The President also found the time to chat with the devotees.
The President later visited the ancient Somawathiya Temple in Polonnaruwa, recently affected by devastating floods.
The Temple is located along the bank of Mahaweli River within the deep jungle of Somawathiya forest reserve and wildlife sanctuary. During the war the LTTE rebels hiding in the forest carried out attacks on near by villages.
A special conference for all religions is scheduled to be held in the Agbopura temple under the President's guidance. Its goal will be to create a "pious and disciplined society" with religious cohabitation. The conference is being organized by the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs M.K.D.S. Gunawardhana.
Minister Maithripala Sirisena, Deputy Ministers Siripala Gamlath and Chandrasiri Sooriyarachchi and Chief of President's staff Gamini Senarath accompanied the President.

(Pictures by Sudath Silva)