COLOMBO (News 1^st) – President Maithripala Sirisena who is currently in the UK to attend CHOGM, participated in the ritual oil anointment for the new year, at the Buddhist Temple in London today (April 16).

The ritual was performed by the Chief Sanghanayaka of Britain and Chief Incumbent of the Buddhist Temple in London, Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala Thera.

The CHOGM and parallel meetings will be held from today (April 16) to the 21st of April. Key among the parallel meetings are the Commonwealth Youth Forum, the Women’s Forum and the Business Forum. President Sirisena is also scheduled to address the Commonwealth Business Forum.

According to the President’s Media Division, the President has also been invited to deliver the keynote address at a parallel meeting on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. During his official visit to the UK, the President is scheduled to attend bilateral meetings with leaders including UK PM Theresa May. The President will also attend a celebratory event to mark the 92^nd birthday of Queen Elizabeth II.

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