President inspects progress in BOI Int'l Buddhist Centre at
Piliyandala
President Mahinda Rajapaksa inspected work so far completed by the
BOI at the International Buddhist Centre at Piliyandala.
The Bodhigaraya was the main focus of the Presidential Inspection.
The structure, which was constructed in traditional Sri Lankan Buddhist
architectural style of the Anuradhapura period, is now nearly completed.
The Bodhigaraya will soon be ready for the ceremonial placing of a
sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhi.
During his visit to the Centre, President Rajapaksa said that he
wanted a green space established within to zone to enhance its
atmosphere of serenity.
The 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. Under the Mahinda Chinthana, the Government has identified as
one of its objectives "to make Sri Lanka a global centre for the
propagation of the teachings of the Lord Buddha".
This is done in order to "enlighten the citizens of the world on the
achievements of peaceful co-existence through the Dhamma".
The site for the project is at Kesbewa, Piliyandala, which is just 25
kilometers away from Colombo and 50 kilometers from the Bandaranaike
International Airport. The land is close to the Bolgoda Lake, which is
one of the largest bodies of fresh water in the Western Province.
The land surrounding the Bodhigaraya will consist of 14 lots, which
are earmarked as sites for the International Buddhist Centres. The BOI
is confident that Governments of Buddhist countries and religious
organizations will invest in this project. Other areas have been
identified as administrative areas, commercial areas, religious areas
and areas earmarked for religious activities.
This novel project will encourage religious tourism as many Buddhist
countries are economically significant. 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 Centre will promote academic research and
strengthen core values, which will also benefit the Sri Lankan society.
The President was accompanied by Construction and Engineering
Services Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, Secretary, Ministry of
Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion, Additional Secretary to
the President Gamini Senarath, Chairman/Director General of the BOI
Dhammika Perera, Chairman of the State Engineering Corporation Surath De
Silva, senior BOI officials and engineers.
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