CJ praises Shinnyo-en Lanka activities in Sri Lanka

by Sarath Malalasekera

The Shinnyo-en Free Nursery School, Sri Lanka, established in 1988 by Shinjo Ito had done a marvellous service providing quality nursery education to Sri Lankan children, said Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva PC at the opening ceremony of the Shinnyo-en-Lanka Social and Cultural Centre at Rajagiriya recently.

The Chief Justice, who was the Chief Guest at the opening ceremony. The Chief Justice recalling the very first day that he entered the judiciary as a Judge of the Court of Appeal in January 1988, said that Shinnyo-en is in his heart because, "I took oaths as a Judge of the Court of Appeal before the first Sri Lanka Executive President J.R. Jayewardene.

"After administering oaths President Jayewardene told me that I took oaths on a very auspicious day, because I as (President) just returning after opening the Shinnyo-en Free Nursery School at Dutugemunu Street, Pamankada," the Chief Justice added.

The Chief Justice paid tribute to Shinnyo-en Founder Shinjo Ito for his great contribution towards Buddhism and social welfare activities in general in in Sri Lanka.

"I sincerely wish and pray for the success of this new project and look forward to seeing the advancement of Shinnyo-en's activities in the sphere of society and culture,' the Chief Justice emphasised.

Most Ven. Udugama Sadharma Keerthi Sri Dammadassi Mahanayake Thera in a message to the opening ceremony offered his warmest congratulations on this felicitous occasion in which Shinnyo-en is opening the Social and Cultural Centre in Kotte.

The friendship between Shinnyo-en and the Asgiriya Maha Viharaya began in 1986 when the late Mahanayake, the Most ven. Palipana Sri Chandananda, made a visit to the Shinnyo-en head of the Temple in Japan to offer the Honorary Title "Mahayana Buddadharma Visharada Keerthi Sri" to the founder of Shinnyo-en Lord Shinjo Ito, for his great contribution to the religious world and society.

Shinnyo-en has been contributing to Sri Lanka since 1987, when they started to provide free education through the Shinnyo-en Lanka Free Nursery School. Besides this, Shinnyo-en has contributed to society in various ways in the advancement of schools, renovation of temples, an orphanage, tsunami relief activities, an annual blood donation campaign, the message stated.

The Mahanayake's message added that, among other notable activities, in 2003, Shinnyo-en significantly contributed to the Asgiriya Maha Viharaya by donating the Friendship Gate (Wahalkada) as a commemoration for the 250th Upasampada Anniversary of Siam maha Nikaya by the benevolence of the Most Ven. Shinso Ito, Successor to the Shinnyo-en Founder.

Bishop Akira Yonemura addressing the distinguished gathering said that Shinnyo-en is a Buddhist sangha based in Tachikawa, Japan. Our founder Most Ven. Archbishop Shinjo Ito established the sangha wishing to apply the Buddha's altruistic spirit and love for others in the present world. His successor, Most Ven. Archbishop Shinso Ito takes after his sacred vow and guides followers so that we can contribute to world peace and the happiness of mankind.

Shinnyo-en's ties with Sri Lanka began in 1984, when we were given the honour of receiving Buddha relics. Furthermore, in 1986 a sapling of the sacred Bodhi tree and title of honour were presented to Founder Shinnyo Kyoshu.

Upon our relationship thus started, our founder aspired to contribute to education based onthe Buddhist spirit, for children who will later shoulder the future of Sri Lanka and opened Shinnyo-en Lanka free Nursery School in January 1988. The opening ceremony was held with President J. R. Jayewardene in attendance, Bishop Yonemura said.

Most Ven. Bellana Sri Gnanawimala Mahanayake of the Kotte Sect. Most Ven. Teripeha Somananda Mahanayake of Udarata Amarapura Sect, Most Ven. Thrikunamalaye Ananda Nayake, Anunayake of Amarapura Dhammaraksitha Sect, Ven. Anukumbure Amarawansa Thero, Ven Yalagamuwa Dhammissra Thera, Ven. Narampanawe Ananda Thera, Ven. Meegahatenne Chandasiri, Ms. Sachiko Kuwabara, IGP Chandra Fernando, Ms. Maki Kitaoka, Cultural Officer of Japan Embassy, Cultural Affairs and National Heritage Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Southern Range DIG D. W. Prathapasinghe, Former Cultural Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath, Kotte Mayor J.H. Somadasa, Roland Munasinghe, Ms. Chinta Munasinghe, Shantha Senanayake, Sabaragamuwa Chief Minister Mahipala Herath and Officer inCharge of the Welikada Police station were among the gathering.