See Buddhist history, culture which Pakistan has preserved - Envoy tells Buddhists

High Commissioner for Pakistan Shahzad Chaudry called on the Buddhist world to come to Pakistan and see the Buddhist history and culture which Pakistan has been preserving for the world.

The High Commissioner said Pakistan had been preserving several historical sites like Moenjodaro, Harappa and most importantly Taxila with much perseverance and he said it was the Buddhist history and culture and shared past that Pakistan had been preserving for the world.

"It is upto the Buddhist world now to take advantage of the opportunity and see the heritage themselves in Pakistan," he said. The envoy was speaking as chief guest at a book-distribution function at the Kandy International Information Centre on June 22, organised by the Central Cultural Fund of Sri Lanka.

Professor Sudharshan Seneviratne, Chairman of the Central Cultural Fund gave a detailed presentation on the importance of Gandhara and the ancient city of Taxila near Islamabad.

He spoke in detail about the development of the Gandhara art and its significant influence in the eastwards spread of Buddhism, up to Japan.

Citing Pakistan as the cradle of human civilisation, Professor Seneviratne also highlighted the efforts by the Pakistan Government for the last 60 years to preserve these common heritages.

He invited all Buddhists to visit Pakistan to see the sacred sites in Pakistan.

Ven. Pahamune Sri Sumangala of the Department of Classical Languages, University of Peradeniya appreciated the efforts made by the Pakistan Government to preserve the Buddhist heritage.

He also appreciated the services of the Muslim community in maintaining the Somavathi temple site.

Central Province Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa who was the guest of honour appreciated Pakistan's Government's support in development projects in the Central Province.

The High Commissioner distributed copies of the two Sinhala translations of Pakistani books on Buddhist Gandhara among researchers and academics. He also donated several books on Pakistan to the Vice Chancellor for the Peradeniya University library.

Meanwhile High Commissioner Chaudhry on June 22 inaugurated the newly refurbished Jinnah Hall project in Kandy, completed with assistance from the Pakistan Government.