Buddhist religious programme at White House prays for global peace

By Sisira Wijesinghe from Washington DC

Colombo, April 18 (Daily Mirror) - A special Buddhist religious programme was held at the White House on April 16, amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, to invoke blessings for world peace and harmony among nations, as well as for US President Donald Trump and the American people.

The event was attended by the Chief Judicial Sanghanayake of the United States, Most Venerable Katugasthota Uparatana Nayaka Thera, along with monks representing Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions. The Thero also serves as the Chief Incumbent of the Maryland International Buddhist Temple.

The programme was organised by Mrs. Paula, identified as President Trump’s pastor.

Addressing the gathering, Ven. Uparatana Nayaka Thera said the invitation extended by the US President to conduct blessings for world peace in accordance with Theravada Buddhist practices was a significant honour, not only for him as a Sri Lankan monk but also for Sri Lanka as a whole.

He further said that the gesture reflected the trust, respect and recognition shown by the US leadership towards Sri Lanka and Buddhism.