Bethlehem Lankans pray for President

The Friends of Sri Lanka in Bethlehem in association with the Representative Office of Sri Lanka organised a mass at the Milk Grotto Church to bless President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the occasion of his 65th birthday and on his assumption of office for the second term of office as President of Sri Lanka.

There was a large gathering of Palestinians from Bethlehem and Jerusalem along with Sri Lankan employees in Israel and Palestine.

Welcoming the congregation that filled the church to capacity, Advocate Michelle Shomaly traced the long standing friendly relationship between Sri Lanka and Palestine.

He stated that it was President Mahinda Rajapaksa who had strengthened this friendship during the last 35 years and hence it is the duty of all Palestinians to extend their best wishes and pray for the success of his development plans. He also noted the financial support given by Sri Lanka to the education sector in Palestine.

The prayers were jointly conducted by Rev. Fr. Indrajith from Sri Lanka and Rev. Fr. Peter Depuroul.

Quotes from the Bible were read by Sri Lankan ladies led by Ms. Jayantha Gurusinghe.

On the occasion Dr. T. Jayasinghe, Representative for Sri Lanka in Palestine donated a laser jet colour printer to Rev. Sr. Maria Grech, Head of the Franciscan Family Center in Bethlehem.

Among those present at the mass were Ambassador for Sri Lanka in Israel Donald Perera and the Embassy staff.

The Mass was followed by a grand reception organised by Rev. Sr. Maria Grech and Ms. Noha Anastas.