COLOMBO : Sri Lanka president Gotabaya Rajapaksa has sent a letter to the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing concerns over the present Covid situation in India and had stated that the Buddhist clergy in Sri Lanka, following the example of their great teacher, Gautama Buddha in Vaisala during a pestilence, plan to compassionately recite the ‘Rathana Sutra’, to invoke blessings on the people of India, thus demonstrating the close bond an affinity between our two countries.
In a letter addressed to Premier Modi, the president had also thanked profusely for the donation of half a million Covid vaccines to Sri Lanka recently.
The full text of the message is as follows.
His Excellency Narendra Modi
Prime Minister of the Republic of India
Your Excellency,
I have been observing with deep empathy and concern the unfolding health scourge in India in the wake of a fast-contagious corona virus, which brought immense sufferings to the people.
Your Excellency, humankind has faced similar pestilences since time immemorial and eventually concerted efforts succeeded in overcoming such misfortune. I may recall that exactly a century ago, a similar pandemic brought misery to our societies, but humanity prevailed through perseverance. In the same vein, I am confident that under your able leadership, with the resolute support of dedicated experts and professionals, India will soon thwart the current havoc of the pathogen.
I am pleased to inform, Your Excellency that the Buddhist clergy in Sri Lanka, following the example of their great teacher, Gautama Buddha in Vaisala during a pestilence, plan to compassionately recite the ‘Rathana Sutra’, to invoke blessings on the people of India, thus demonstrating the close bond an affinity between our two countries.
While wishing you strength and good health, I take this opportunity, on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka to express my deep gratitude to the Government of India, and personally to your Excellency, for the initial donation of 500 doses of ‘Maitri Vaccines’ to Sri Lanka, which enabled my government to launch first vaccination programme.
Excellency, please accept the assurances of my highest consideration.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
President of Sri Lanka
28th April 2021
