The Prime Minister, who was accompanied by his wife Maitree Wickramsinghe, arrived at the shrine at around 11.15 am.

Wickramasinghe offered 'Thulabharam' (an offering where a devotee is weighed against offerings of banana, sugar, flowers etc) with sandalwood.

About 77 kg of sandalwood, at an estimated cost of Rs 8.45 lakh, was offered by the dignitary as an offering to the temple.

Guruvayur Melsanthi ( chief priest) Morkkannur SriHari Namoodiri handed over 'prasadams' to the dignitary.

Wickramasinghe also offered 'Neyvillaku', 'Panakizhi' and plantains to the diety.

Lankan Culture Minister Swaminathan accompanied the dignitaries.

Later speaking to reporters, Wickramasinghe said cultural ties between the island nation and India would be further strengthened. He was not pro India or pro China, but was a Prime Minister who wanted to ensure the interests of Sri Lanka, he said.

A team of experts from Sri Lanka would visit the elephant sanctuary of the Guruvayur devaswom at Punnathoor, he said.

The Prime Minister also offered worship at the Mamiyoor Mahadeva temple here.

There was heavy security at the temple premises in connection with Wickramasinghe's visit.

(economictimes.indiatimes.com)