Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapksa has directed government officials to make all arrangements for the grand celebration for Maha Shivratri, an important festival of Hindus falling on 11 March this year. 

According to a report on Colombopage, Rajapaksa, who also holds the charge of the Ministry of Religious and Cultural Affairs, asked the officials of the Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs to encourage Hindu organizations for the grand celebration in Hindu temples across the countries. 

The report said special Hindu religious ceremonies would be organized focusing on the Divisional Secretariats where the majority of Sri Lanka’s Hindu devotees live. Also, programs will be organized to make Hindu children understand the glory of the festivals. 

Rajapaksa also instructed the Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Ministries to provide financial assistance to certain Hindu temples to hold religious rituals.