Unprecedented ‘Pinkama’ in Myanmar

To bless President, war heroes:

Elaborate arrangements are being made to hold a colourful Buddhist religious ceremony at the historical and most sacred Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, by the Sri Lanka Embassy in Myanmar during the current State visit of Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa, a statement of the Sri Lanka Embassy in the Union Myanmar said.

The Sacred Shwedagon Pagoda is the prominent landmark and has a height of 326 feet.

One of wonders of the world, the Shwedagon Pagoda, is believed to have been built more than 2,600 years ago, during The Buddha’s lifetime where the four Buddha relics were enshrined.

At the invitation of the Sri Lanka Embassy, the Myanmar Religious Affairs Ministry has taken a lead role to welcome the Sri Lankan President and the delegation and conduct a special Buddha Pooja, chant Paritta by a large number of Buddhist monks who will assemble at the venue.

An invited group of most venerable renowned monks, such as Uyangoda Vijithasiri and Rathanasara, Anu-nayaka Theras of Malwatta, Prof. Bellanwila Wimalarathna, Maduluwawe Sobitha, Inamaluwe Sumangala of Dambulla, Aluthnuwewa Soratha of Kiriwehera, Buddharakkitha of Kande-Viharaya, Aluthgama along with another 20 monks will participate at the function. From the Myanmar side also a group of most Venerable Mahanayake Theras will attend.

Dr. Bodagama Chandima Thera, who is the Sanghanayake of Taiwan and also the President’s advisor on International Buddhist Affairs is initiating to ordinate 60 novices from Myanmar to Bhikkuhood to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations during the religious ceremony.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa will offer saffron robes to them, said Sri Lanka Ambassador to Myanmar Newton Gunaratna. Finally, blessings will be invoked on President Mahinda Rajapaksa and all war heroes who sacrificed their lives for peace and harmony in Sri Lanka.