[By Janaka Alahapperuma]
President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited the Nairobi Buddhist Viharaya, located in a suburb of Kenya’s Capital City, Nairobi on Friday morning (13 December).
This Theravada Buddhist temple that has been functioning for more than a decade consists of a small stupa, meditation hall and a residence for monks.
President Rajapaksa worshiped at the temple and participated in several religious activities. The President alsopresented Atapirikara to the Chief Incumbent of the Viharaya, Venerable Wimala Thero. The Thero chanted Seth Pirith and blessed the President and the people of Sri Lanka.
A large number of Sri Lankans were present at the temple to welcome the President. The President spent time talking with members of the Sri Lankan community living in Kenya. President Mahinda Rajapaksa also posed for a photograph with the head priest of the temple Bhante Wimala and members of the Sri Lankan community. The President is currently on a four-day State visit to Kenya.
External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris, Civil Aviation Minister Geethanjana Gunawardena, Uva Province Chief Minister Shashendra Rajapaksa, External Affairs Ministry Monitoring MP Sajin Vass Gunawardena and Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga accompanied the President.
Pix by: Sudath Silva
