BOI International Buddhist Centre at Piliyandala

Groundbreaking ceremony of the BOI International Buddhist Centre took place in Piliyandala recently.

Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha and Navin Dissanayake, Minister of Investment Promotion participated.

The BOI International Buddhist Centre is a large-scale project to showcase Buddhism and its contribution to society in a single and dedicated location. It will seek to attract investment in Buddhism related projects and thus become a magnet for Buddhists all around the world as well as those who have an interest in the philosophy of Buddhism.

The architectural consultants for the project will be the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau, while the contractors will be the State Engineering Corporation of Sri Lanka.

There are a number of elements to the project. The first is the construction of a 291 foot high Stupa, with a diameter of 267feet. This will be a solid brick structure based on the design and proportions of the Maha Thupa of Ruwanweliseya.

The infrastructure within the centre will include the construction of internal roads, the provision of water supply, storm water disposal through drains and culverts, power supply and telecommunications facilities for both foreign and local communications.

This novel project will encourage religious tourism as many Buddhist countries are undergoing rapid economic growth. Buddhism has also grown in importance in the west, notably in the USA, where many prominent Americans have espoused the Buddhist faith.

The international Buddhist centers will promote academic research and strengthen core values, which will also benefit the Sri Lankan society.