PM calls for more Thai-Lanka religious, cultural exchanges

COLOMBO: Thailand, a Buddhist nation is a very important and close friend of Sri Lanka. The manner in which Thailand came to the assistance of Sri Lanka by offering Upasampada at a time when Buddhism suffered a setback is gratefully recorded in our history said Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake.

The Prime Minister said so when he met a visiting Thai Buddhist delegation led by several Thai Bhikkhus which called on him at the Prime Minister's office on Sunday, August 26.

Wickremanayake said it was Ven. Upali Thera who brought down the Upasampada from Thailand to Sri Lanka. It is heartening to note that the original temple in Thailand which was the abode of Ven. Upali Thera then is still being preserved there.

Wickremanayake said present day ties between Sri Lanka and Thailand could not be considered as close and strong as in ancient times.

The religious and cultural affinities between the two countries suggest that there should have been much stronger bonds of friendship and relations between them today. However, the two countries are in the process of strengthening ties ever since diplomatic relations were established between them.

Suggesting more and more religious and cultural exchange programmes between the two countries, Wickremanayake said the Thai people and the visiting delegation should be educated about Sri Lanka's potential to host tourists specially cultural tourists. Leader of the Thai delegation Gururaj University, Vice Chancellor Ven. Pra

Dharmagosha Jan Mahachulorn Thera said Sri Lanka offered the best opportunities to learn the pristine Buddhist doctrine. Sri Lanka is also known as a country rich in resources and bestowed with a hospitable people.

The Thai delegation is due to visit the Sri Dalada Maligawa and visit several other Buddhist places of worship in the island during their week long stay. Urband Development and Sacred Area Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Prime Minister's Secretary Mahinda Bandusena and Prime Minister's Advisor Manu Ginige were also present on the occasion.