Tirupati, Feb 18 (IANS) Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and his wife Jayanthi Pushpa Kumari offered prayers to Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala here Wednesday.
The couple, who were accompanied by some cabinet ministers and top officials, participated in the pre-dawn rituals at the famous hill shrine.
According to an official of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), which manages the affairs of the temple, the Sri Lankan president took part in 'suprabhatha' conducted in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.
Though the visiting dignitary was entitled to a direct entry through the Mahadwaram (main entrance), he reached the temple through the Vaikuntam queue complex like a commoner.
TTD Joint Executive Officer K.S.Sreenivasa Raju and other officials welcomed the president and his entourage at the queue complex.
After participating in the rituals, Sirisena worshipped the deity.
TTD's executive officer D. Sambasiva Rao presented him with 'laddu' (sweet), sacred silk cloth, books and memento of the presiding deity. The pundits (priests) of the temple blessed him with Vedic hymns at Ranganayakula Mandapam.
Later, speaking on behalf of the Sri Lankan president, the island's eastern province Governor Austin Fernando said their four-day official visit was successful.
Talking to reporters, he thanked the government of India for its warm hospitality.
He said it was heartening that during the new president's first visit to India several agreements were signed. He also termed as 'fruitful' the talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee.
Beirut Blast: How the Ammonium Nitrate Bust Reached the Port
The Lebanese government has said that the blasts in Beirut were caused by an explosion of 2750 to
Preparations for the G20 summit are in full swing in the national capital. Several areas of Delhi
Will the record of 37 years be broken in Himachal? In the survey, the public told their mood
Election Commission has sounded the election bugle in Himachal Pradesh. Chief Election Commission
Relief: One insurance for more than one vehicle, now concession in premium on good and safe driving
Having more than one car and two-wheeler will now have a single insurance policy. There is no nee
The Archies Trailer And Shah Rukh Khan: Suhana Khan, daughter of Hindi cinema superstar Shah Rukh
Activist quizzed by police after showing BBC documentary
Agra, March 10 (IANS) An activist who works against acid attacks was quizzed by police and his
Shocking facts of the investigation of corona infection have emerged from hotspot areas of densel
In every season of the reality show 'Bigg Boss', the contestants do something or the other, which
Elections will be held on May 25 in the sixth phase on five Lok Sabha seats in three di
The Meteorological Department has also given good news to the people watching the path of the mon
