Invoke blessings for global peace, stability

Venerable Katugastota Uparatana Thera at the White House in Washington on April 16, where a special Buddhist religious programme was held amid the ongoing Middle East conflict to invoke blessings for global peace and stability. The ceremony, attended by Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana monks, also sought blessings for US President Donald Trump and the American people. Organised by Paula, the foster mother of President Trump, the event underscored growing recognition of Buddhist traditions in the United States. The Thero, Chief Judicial Sanghanayake of the US, described the invitation as an honour for Sri Lanka and highlighted it as a mark of respect and trust towards the country and Buddhism. Pix by Sisira Wijesinghe from Washington DC