Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), Feb 9 (IANS): Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa Saturday offered prayers at the Lord Venkateswara Temple atop Tirumala Hills here.

Accompanied by his family members, he had 'darshan' in the early hours of the day. They also took part in the 'Suprabhatha Seva', the temple officials said.

The priests offered 'prasadam' to the visiting dignitary. Earlier, the officials of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), which manages the affairs of the famous temple, welcomed Rajapaksa.

The Sri Lankan president had arrived in the temple town Friday evening amid protests by Tamil groups.

After spending the night at TTD's Sri Padmavathi Guest House, the Sri Lankan president reached the temple.

Few activists of Tamil groups staged protest near the temple complex when Rajapaksa and his family members were busy offering prayers. Rajapaksa will return to Colombo by a special aircraft later in the day.

The protests continued in Tirupati throughout Friday. The police arrested hundreds of protesters, who reached here from neighbouring Tamil Nadu to oppose Rajapaksa's visit.