Sri Lanka, Nov. 2 -- A special religious ceremony to invoke blessings on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mark the 25th anniversary of his political career was held at the Agrashravaka Maha Viharaya in Maligakanda, Colombo, on October 29.

The Chief Sangha Nayaka of Japan, President of the Sri Lanka Maha Bodhi Society and Chief Incumbent of the Sanchi Chetiyagiri Viharaya in India Ven. Banagala Upatissa Nayaka Thera under whose leadership the ceremony was held told the gathering of his nearly three-decade-long friendship with Modi and acknowledged the Indian leader's contributions to the Buddha Sasana and the promotion of Buddhism internationally.

The Thera commended Modi's initiatives to strengthen Buddhist heritage and facilitate...