Call to name 2006 'Year of Buddhist Revival'

COLOMBO: The National Bhikkhu Front (NBF) has decided to proclaim this year as the 'Year of Buddhist Revival' and implement an extensive programme to rediscover the country's lost heritage.

NBF General Secretary Ven. Kalawelgala Chandraloka Thera said this year is most significant to Buddhists as it marks the 2550th year since the Buddha's Parinibbana.

"It is most appropriate to launch a programme of this nature to rediscover our heritage which had been subjugated by colonial powers for well over five centuries", the Thera said.

The proclamation of this year as the year of Buddhist revival will be made at a simple ceremony at the Sri Gnanawimalarama Viharaya, Wewelduwa, Kelaniya on Navam Pasalosvaka Poya day at 8.30 a.m. presided by NBF President Ven. Puravidya Visharada Ven. Dambara Amila Adhikarana Sanghanayaka Thera which will be telecast live over ITN.