Special prayers and ceremonies were held by people of different faiths across Sri Lanka on 8 May 2021 for the well-being of people of India in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. A press communique from the High Commission of India in Colombo said
The extent of diversity in these solidarity ceremonies was a true manifestation of camaraderie and connect between the peoples of India and Sri Lanka.it further said
“A multi-religious, country-wide ‘Vishwa Ashirwada Horawa’ was organized by Ministry of Buddhasasana, Cultural and Religious Affairs, headed by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, from 1730 to 1830 hrs. High Commissioner Gopal Baglay attended the special ceremony held at Sri Gangaramaya Temple. The sacred Rathna Sutra and Jwara Pirith were also recited on the occasion. Ambassadors of Japan, Vietnam and several other diplomats also attended the pious event.
Mahamritunjaya maha yagya was held simultaneously at the five Easwarams in Sri Lanka. Out of these, it may be recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Naguleewsawaram Temple during his visit to Sri Lanka in March 2015 and as a mark of his symbolic participation at the event, his photographs from the visit were displayed at the site of the ceremony. Like authorities of Naguleewsawaram Temple, office bearers of Kondavil Ayyappa and Maaviddapuram Kandaswamy Temples also handed over letters of solidarity addressed to President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Modi to Mr. S. Balachandran, Consul General of India in Jaffna.
Catholic churches in Jaffna dedicated a one-hour prayer service to the people of Sri Lanka, India and beyond. Parallel prayers were held at private houses as well during the same time.”
