This event is organized by a Palestinian group called the ‘Friends of Sri Lanka in Bethlehem’ in collaboration with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Israel and the Representative Office of Sri Lanka in the State of Palestine.

Along with the Palestinian friends of Sri Lanka, Palestinian Minister of Tourism, Governor of Bethlehem and Mayor of Bethlehem will participate in the Holy Mass.

Ambassador Sarath Wijesinghe, staff members of the Embassy and the Representative Office and Sri Lankan workers in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem will also participate in the event.

Every year, since the establishment of the Representative Office of Sri Lanka in the State of Palestine in 2007, the birthday of President Rajapaksa is celebrated in Bethlehem.

On 18th November 2007, the road in front of the Representative Office was re-named as “His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa Road.” (PRIU)