Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena says as the leader of the country, he will contribute to make Sri Lanka the center for propagation of Theravada Buddhism to the world, in the future as well as in the present.
Addressing a religious ceremony held to open the Saddharamaraja Buddhagaya Mahastupa at Eriyagama Sri Subhodarama Vihara in Peradeniya on Saturday, the President said it was due to Sri Lanka serving as the center of the Theravada Buddhism that the country is able to talk about its history and cultural heritage with much pride.
“Securing that great heritage, it is our responsibility to propagate Theravada Dhamma to the whole world,” he said.
The President also agreed to a request made by the Maha sangha to consider providing residence facilities to the Bikkhu students of Myanmar and said he will discuss this matter at diplomatic level with the Myanmar government in the future and enter into a well-planned program.
The President unveiled the commemoration plaque of the Saddharamaraja Buddhagaya Stuparaja and made the first offering of flowers to the Buddha statue, which was constructed according to the same measurements of the Buddha statue of Bodhgaya in India.
Most Venerable Ven.Kotugoda Dhammawasa Thero of Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya chaired the event and the message of unveiling of the Saddharamaraja Buddhagaya Stupa was presented to the Thero by the President.
The special periodical published on this event was also presented to the President. President also presented souvenirs for the architects who contributed in construction work. The chief incumbent of Vihara presented a special token of appreciation to the President The Maha sangha, Governor of Central Province Maithree Gunaratne, Governor of North Central Province Sarath Ekanayake, State minister Lucky Jayawardena and other public representatives and devotees were present at this religious event.
Courtesy: Colombo Page
