Grand Imam of Blue Mosque in Istanbul says:

Sri Lanka blessed to have leader of President Rajapaksa's calibre

Rohan MATHES

On his official visit to Turkey, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has visited the world-renowned Blue Mosque in Istanbul.

The Grand Imam of the Blue Mosque said a special prayer for the long life and good health of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The Imam has also prayed for the dawn of peace, normalcy and prosperity in Sri Lanka.

The Imam said that the picturesque and paradise island of Sri Lanka was doubly blessed and privileged to have a leader of the calibre of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to rule the nation. He had recalled the revered Adam's Peak in Sri Lanka, which he had said was respected by Muslims the world over as well.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa had also been taken to the historic and world-famous Museum, wherein the garments worn by the Holy Prophet and his dauther Fathima (RAL) had been preserved in a chamber. The chamber also holds the hair and the tooth of the Holy Prophet.

President Rajapaksa had been told that these precious items had been obtained from the battle field of UHAD, and placed there when the Ottoman Empire ruled the Arab world.

Later, the Governor of Istanbul had hosted President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his entourage for lunch, at the historic Palace in Istanbul.

Presidential Advisor A.H.M. Azwer had also accompanied the President on this visit.