Sri Lanka High Commission in London organized a Pirith chanting ceremony followed by an almsgiving to Maha Sangha on 18th and 19th November respectively at its premises, to invoke blessings on President Mahinda Rajapaksa on his birthday and to mark the first anniversary of the second term of office of the President.

This was organized in association with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau - London Office, Sri Lanka Freedom Party UK Branch and East London Branch, the British - Sri Lanka Forum and Sri Lanka Mahajana Party London Branch.

These events were attended by Chief Incumbent of London Buddhist Vihara Ven. Bogoda Seelawimala Thero, together with the Head Priests and other resident priests from Thames Buddhist Vihara, Kingsbury Buddhist Vihara, Birmingham Maha Vihara in Birmingham, Jethavana Buddhist Vihara in Birmingham, Redbridge Buddhist Vihara in Ilford, Mahamevnawa Bhavana Asapuwa in Watford, Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya in Letchworth, Lumbini Vihara in East Ham.

A large number of Sri Lankans living in the UK also gathered at the High Commission to join this annual event.