Picture by Sudath Silva

Sri Lanka Freedom Party UK branch organised the Bodhi Poja on 21 February at the Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist vihara to bless HE President Mahinda Rajapaksa and motherland Sri Lanka.

A saffron robe was offered to the monks by HE High Commissioner to the UK Justice Nihal Jayasinghe for the blessing. Well attended by devotees living in and around London, the Bodhi Poja was conducted by Ven. Keulegama Chandananda thero. Pansil was administered by Ven. Dr. Handuru Palpola Mahinda thero.

Ven. Galayaye Piyadassi thero blessed HE the President and transferred merit to those who gave their lives for peace in Sri Lanka. Finally, monks chanted Paritta blessing on behalf of all those in Sri Lanka.

SLFP UK executive committee members President Mrs Rani Bulathwela, Sec. Mr Anura Medagedara, Mr Methsiri Wijeratne, Mr Sisira Perera, Mrs Manel Ranasinghe and other members have organised the Bodhi Poja with support of Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist vihara. Among the guests were deputy high commissioner Mr PM Amza, manager Bank of Ceylon Mr Syril Madadeniya and many others.

President Sri Lanka Freedom Party UK branch, Mrs Rani Bulathwela, thanked those in attendance as well as those who have supported SLFP and SLAT UK during the last few years.