Former Sri Lankan President Wickremesinghe visits Lumbini

LUMBINI: Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe visited Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, on Saturday.

During his visit, Wickremesinghe toured the Peace Flame, Maya Devi Temple, Sacred Garden and the Ashoka Pillar, among other attractions in Lumbini.

The former president was welcomed with traditional khada scarves by Lumbini Development Trust officials including Security Chief Khagendra Kafle, Information Officer Rajan Basnet as well as Dilip Singh Rai and Bikash Lama.

Wickremesinghe, who visited with his family, performed worship rituals and recited prayers at the Maya Devi Temple. He expressed interest in Lumbini’s recent developments and shared his happiness at being able to visit Buddha’s sacred birthplace.

According to Information Officer Rajan Basnet, the former president showed keen interest in touring Lumbini, given Sri Lanka’s status as a Buddhist nation. During the occasion, the Trust presented Wickremesinghe with a token of love.

The former president, who is on a private visit, is expected to tour other areas within the Greater Lumbini region as well.