Sri Lanka President in Lumbini

Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is currently on a Nepal trip, has reached Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Friday morning, via an army helicopter.

Chief District Officer of the Rupandehi welcomed the team of the President in Lumbini.

The security in the area has been tightened for the course of the visit.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Friday gifted and dedicated to the Maha Sanga, the ' Sri Lanka Maha Viharaya' in Lumbini, Nepal, built for the benefit of Buddhist devotees.
Sri Lankan leader also inaugurated a Sri Lankan monastery constructed there.

The construction work was carried out by the Sri Lanka Lumbini Development Trust Fund initiated by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The first phase of this temple was built at a cost of Rs.74 million. Another 195 million has been allocated for the second phase.

Under the first phase a Library, a Museum, a resting place, a Monastery has been completed.

President Rajapaksa gifted US$ 1 million to Sri Lanka Lumbini Development Trust Fund for the future development programmes of the Sri Lanka Maha Viharaya.

Sri Lankan leader left for Kathmandu and 3.30 pm yesterday from Lumbini

- Asian Tribune -