President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday recognized the work of the World Buddhist Sangha Conference during a function held at the Temple Trees.

The President presented mementoes to Buddhist monks from 30 countries who participated in the Ashirwada Pooja for universal peace and co-existence held yesterday in connection with the completion of the 2600th Sri Sambudaththwa Jayanthi.

Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga welcoming the Sangha said there cannot be any other better place than Sri Lanka to spread the message of peace as all communities in the country are now equally enjoying peace dividends.

President Rajapaksa presented a Buddha statue and a coin issued in connection with the 2600th Sri Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi to the President of World Buddhist Sangha Council, Most Venerable Liao Chung, and other monks.

The monks held similar Ashirwada Poojas at Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy and Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya in Anuradhapura today.