President returns

9 February 2013 04:20 pm - 32 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa returned to Colombo on Saturday after praying at the Lord Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati.

A few hours after praying at the temple, Mr Rajapaksa, his family and members of the Sri Lankan delegation flew to Colombo amid tight security.

His two-day visit had been marred by protests by Tamil groups who denounced the president for not granting autonomy to Tamil areas and for human rights violations.
Mr Rajapaksa, his wife Shiranthi and other family members had a 'darshan' of the resident deity early on Saturday. They also took part in the 'Suprabhatha Seva', a pre-dawn ritual, temple officials said.

After visiting the temple, he told the media that India was a democratic country and everyone had a right to protest.

"What can I do" This is a democratic country," he said, when asked about his reaction the protests.

Asked about alleged right violations in Sri Lanka, he said: "come and see for yourself what is happening there."

The president left the temple for Renigunta airport in a motorcade amid tight security and took off for Colombo in a special aircraft.

The road from Tirumala Hills to the airport was closed for traffic. Security was beefed up along the route.

The president arrived in this temple town on Friday evening.

There were no protests in the temple town on Saturday unlike Friday when a large number of Tamil activists from neighbouring Tamil Nadu tried to stall Mr Rajapaksa's visit.

Earlier, priests offered 'prasadam' and the silk 'vastram' of the presiding deity to Rajapaksa. Temple officials also presented him a memento of the presiding deity.

Officials of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), which manages the affairs of the famous temple, welcomed Mr Rajapaksa.

Though as a VIP he was entitled to the 'Mahadwaram' entry, he opted to enter the temple through the 'Vaikuntam' queue complex like a common devotee.

Mr Rajapaksa spent Friday night at TTD's Sri Padmavathi Guest House. (NDTV)

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Comments - 32

Thomas Saturday, 09 February 2013 04:46 PM

Parying to Indian Gods to get Indian support tat Geneva. How can God help , whereas everything in MR's hands to deliver what Tamils want

Jagath Leanage Saturday, 09 February 2013 04:51 PM

President him self said,when asked by a reporter "its a private visit". If so , only his wife and 3 children should accompany him.But why did he accompanied 70 officials? What a waste of money. Who is bearing the cost? General Treasury? That means we?

Maha Rajanani Saturday, 09 February 2013 04:52 PM

Good work, this sheer braveness. Welcome back Mr. President.

007 Saturday, 09 February 2013 05:08 PM

Yes, this is called the "God Delusion".

NYC SAM Saturday, 09 February 2013 05:11 PM

Well Why only accountability from ONE SIDE. What about the accountability from the other side. Well that can be over looked cuz they never did not DO anything. Lets just crucify the SriLankans....

Mahen Sunday, 10 February 2013 07:23 PM

It's her hubby's money and prestige that she follow.....Not the religion.

ravi Monday, 11 February 2013 04:56 AM

I think president no more want to practice Sri Lankan Buddhism.

pramo Sunday, 10 February 2013 09:59 AM

Shiranthi is a good catholic,how did she managed to handel certain situations

raviraj Monday, 11 February 2013 05:26 AM

accountability for the other side is in the hands of the GOSL, and they have rewarded them with ministerial portfolios

raviraj Monday, 11 February 2013 05:28 AM

in that case better stay there and don't come back

Sue Sunday, 10 February 2013 12:16 PM

Hoping to be one of the 7000 Ryan? and do get your brain checked immediately.

007 Sunday, 10 February 2013 12:34 PM

Yes, they are.

Angulimalapolitikka Sunday, 10 February 2013 01:04 AM

Vow. What a brave person our President is. Well done, Sir.

roshan London Sunday, 10 February 2013 04:39 AM

he is desperate. if tirappthy god washes away the sins as described in other websites, MR and all the cabinet ministers would have to go to tiruappthy daily before going to bed.

Clifford Monday, 11 February 2013 06:48 AM

Please save us from the Human rights meeting in Geneva

Indian Sunday, 10 February 2013 04:46 AM

There are more official sinners.

Sammy Sunday, 10 February 2013 04:46 AM

There are many Buddhists who pray to "Hindu" gods & their is nothing wrong with it. Siddhartha was a "Hindu".

Angulimalapolitikka Sunday, 10 February 2013 05:03 AM

WELL DONE, SIR. WE ARE PROUD OF YOU.

Matara Kolla Sunday, 10 February 2013 05:15 AM

Mahinda Rajapakse embraces Hinduism at Thirupathi!!!

IRC Rathana Sunday, 10 February 2013 05:51 AM

You dont know the difference between a brave and a coward.

kandykolla Sunday, 10 February 2013 06:04 AM

"Ali Baba and 70 thives"

anura Sunday, 10 February 2013 06:23 AM

wel come back sir, budu saranai. you are our king in mother country

LBJ Monday, 11 February 2013 04:40 PM

Jones Town cool aid drinker?

Bavana John Sunday, 10 February 2013 07:08 AM

Everything like that way! What is the use of praying at the Lord Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati? even if he does not respect other religions like Muslim, Tamil? In is country, he is the president and he is not able to control the Buddhist group who against that tamil, Muslim.

Lucky Weeramantry Monday, 11 February 2013 07:33 AM

Returns From His Second Honeymoon To Start A Fresh 2nd Term. Well Done. God Bless You Sir!

Ryan Sunday, 10 February 2013 07:38 AM

Our president is our god. We need to protect him. 70 is not enough pending life threat. 7000 is what we should send. Our hearts and brains are with you., Sir.

Jagath Leanage Sunday, 10 February 2013 07:48 AM

anura, budu saranai for what?

Nodrog Sunday, 10 February 2013 08:07 AM

Accountability for what? Then India also must be held accountable for thousands of deaths cause by the LTTE who were financed and nurtured by them.

Lobo Sunday, 10 February 2013 08:09 AM

All these mantras about HR violations, accountability, genocide etc. are chanted by disillusioned and frustrated supporters of the LTTE

Shiffy Saturday, 09 February 2013 04:26 PM

Just a little butter for the upcoming Geneva meetings.....

007 Saturday, 09 February 2013 04:32 PM

The point is not come and see, it is what had happened during the war. It is accountability. That is what we all want.

Dalu banda Saturday, 09 February 2013 04:43 PM

Is he believe/ follow Hinduism or he is desperate?

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President returns

Comments - 32

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