Important period in Buddha Sasana's history, says Minister

MAHARAGAMA: The current period can be described as an important period in the history of the Buddha Sasana, Urban Development and Water Supply Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said after unveiling the 2550 Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Memorial Pilar set up by the Urban Development Authority (UDA) at Maharagama town.

Gunawardena said ancient kings engaged in sculptors to erect store carvings depicting important events in Buddha's life including His birth, enlightenment and parinibbana and his message to widen people's knowledge.

"Such memorials were created during the time of Emperor Dharmasoka specially to propagate Buddhism throughout the world. Benares in India and Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka reminded us of such works of art," the Minister said.

Gunawardena said the Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Memorial Pillar would also nurture people's minds with religious thoughts as one of our own creations which was a great meritorious deed.

He said the pillar was conceptualised by Prof. Nimal de Silva on a proposal by Ven. Tiricunamale Ananda Anunayake Thera and was sculpted by H.C.L. Wickramesinghe of Minuwangoda.

Gunawardena said they were able to install that pillar due to the guidance and patronage offered by the President.

The Maharagama-Piliyandala road was renamed Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Mawatha by Gunawardena to coincide with the event.

Earlier, Ven. Weligama Gnanaratana Mahanayaka Thera of the Amarapura Dhammarakshita Nikaya in an anusasana recalled the great services by late Ven. Madihe Pannasiha Mahanayake Thera to revive and propagate Buddhism in Sri Lanka and throughout the world.

The Ven. Pannasiha's exhortation 'Build man and build the country' was a very practical teaching which was valid for all times.

Ven. Ittepane Dhammalankara Anunayake Thera also spoke.

Ven. Dr. Bellanwila Wimalaratana Thera, Ven. Maduluwawe Sobhitha Thera, Ven. Tiricunamale Ananda Anunayake Thera, Ven. Kolonnawe Sumangala Nayake Thera, Ven. Kotapola Amarakitti Nayake Thera, Deputy Speaker Geethanjana Gunawardena, Indigenous Medicine Minister and Religious Affairs Deputy Minister Tissa Karaliyadda, Maharagama UC Chairman Kanthi Kodikara and Provincial Council members Upali Kodikara and Anura Hemapala were also present.