President returns

Saturday, 09 February 2013 21:50

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)

See video

Comments

-12+88 # Shiffy 2013-02-09 21:56

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

-3+39 # Bavana John 2013-02-10 12:38

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.

-21+79 # 007 2013-02-09 22:02

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

-52+29 # NYC SAM 2013-02-09 22:41

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....

-0+4 # raviraj 2013-02-11 10:56

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

-19+16 # Nodrog 2013-02-10 13:37

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.

-4+6 # 007 2013-02-10 18:04

Yes, they are.

-19+8 # Lobo 2013-02-10 13:39

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

-12+77 # Dalu banda 2013-02-09 22:13

Is he believe/ follow Hinduism or he is desperate?

-13+18 # Sammy 2013-02-10 10:16

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

-13+59 # Thomas 2013-02-09 22:16

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

-16+30 # 007 2013-02-09 22:38

Yes, this is called the "God Delusion".

-10+91 # Jagath Leanage 2013-02-09 22:21

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?

-0+19 # Indian 2013-02-10 10:16

There are more official sinners.

-2+40 # kandykolla 2013-02-10 11:34

"Ali Baba and 70 thives"

-44+3 # Ryan 2013-02-10 13:08

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.

-1+27 # Sue 2013-02-10 17:46

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

-0+0 # LBJ 2013-02-11 22:10

Jones Town cool aid drinker?

-97+28 # Maha Rajanani 2013-02-09 22:22

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

-6+36 # IRC Rathana 2013-02-10 11:21

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

-30+7 # Angulimalapolitikka 2013-02-10 06:34

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

-3+29 # roshan London 2013-02-10 10:09

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.

-0+3 # raviraj 2013-02-11 10:58

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

-35+6 # Angulimalapolitikka 2013-02-10 10:33

WELL DONE, SIR. WE ARE PROUD OF YOU.

-4+27 # Matara Kolla 2013-02-10 10:45

Mahinda Rajapakse embraces Hinduism at Thirupathi!!!

-46+9 # anura 2013-02-10 11:53

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

-5+19 # Jagath Leanage 2013-02-10 13:18

anura, budu saranai for what?

-5+18 # pramo 2013-02-10 15:29

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

-2+11 # Mahen 2013-02-11 00:53

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

-1+3 # ravi 2013-02-11 10:26

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

-2+1 # Clifford 2013-02-11 12:18

Please save us from the Human rights meeting in Geneva

-2+0 # Lucky Weeramantry 2013-02-11 13:03

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

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