Sri Lankan President arrives in Tirumala

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena tonight arrived at nearby Tirumala amid tight security to offer worship at the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara.
Accompanied by wife Jayanthi Pushpa Kumari and officials, Sirisena arrived at the hills on a 12-hour pilgrimage, temple officials said.
After overnight halt in a TTD Guest House, the Sri Lankan President would witness the daily sacred "suprabhatha" recitation ritual conducted inside the sanctum sanctorum of the ancient hill temple by priests in the wee hours tomorrow, temple Deputy Executive Officer Chinnamgari Ramana told PTI.
Later, he would offer prayers to the presiding deity of Lord Venkateswara, he said.

Sirisena, who is on a four-day visit to India, his first overseas trip after assuming office following his victory in the recent presidential election, was flown here by a special fight earlier in the evening.
He flew in here after offering worship at the Mahabodhi Tree where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya in Bihar.