Sept 30, Colombo: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa participated in a foot walk today to mark the World Heart Day that fell on Saturday.

The President and the First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa led the foot walk from the Presidential Secretariat and arrived at the Temple Trees.

A large number of people including school children, members of the security forces, staff of government and private hospitals, artistes and sportsmen participated in the walk organized by the Sri Lanka Heart Association and the Presidential Secretariat under the theme "One World, One Home, One Heart."

Following the walk, a special function was held at the Temple Trees under the patronage of the President to enlighten the public of the benefits of healthy living to prevent heart diseases. Dramas and exercises, related to the prevention of heart disease were performed to convey the message.

Chairman of the Sri Lanka Heart Association Dr. Vajira Senaratne presented a CD containing the theme song produced to mark the World Heart Day to the President.

Speaking at the function Dr. Vajira Senaratne said that there is an increase of heart diseases among the youngsters and the people should be more concerned about their diets and physical exercises.

Several programs and announcements raising awareness of the heart diseases among public were released during the function.

(Photos by Nalin Hewapathirana)