Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena accompanied by his wife Jayanthi Pushpa Kumari on Wednesday offered prayers at the Tirumala temple to Lord Venkateswara.
The Sri Lankan couple preferred passing through the Vaikuntam queue complex like any other commoner despite being entitled for a direct entry through the Mahadwaram (main entrance). The temple authorities extended them a warm reception on their arrival at the main temple complex and led them into the sanctum sanctorum where the President and his entourage attended the pre-dawn Suprabhata seva ritual.
TTD Executive officer D. Sambasiva Rao along with his deputy K.S. Srinivasa raju presented him with the laddu and memento of the presiding deity.
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Later addressing the media persons on behalf of President Sirisena (who stood by his side) outside the temple complex Eastern Province Governor Austin Fernando termed their four-day official visit as successful and thanked the Government of India for its endearing hospitality. It is heartening to note that lot of agreements were signed and the discussions with the Prime minister Narendra Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee were fruitful.
The meetings with other Indian ministers which were held in a cordial atmosphere were also successful. He also had a word of appreciation to the TTD's authorities for the excellent arrangements during their stay atop the hill town.
Prominent among others who accompanied them also include the Sri Lankan ministers Patali Champika, D. Swaminathan and other officials.
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