Sanchi pilgrims rest a long felt need of Buddhists

The construction of a three storeyed pilgrims' rest in Sanchi sacred area in Bopal, India at a cost of Rs. 84 million by the Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Ministry is indeed a sacred act that should be written in golden letters in Buddhist history, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka said.

The Prime Minister made these remarks at the opening ceremony of the Sanchi Pilgrims Rest in Bopal, India recently. "I consider it an honour to participate at the opening ceremony of this pilgrims' rest which will provide a great service to Buddhists from Sri Lanka and all over the world. "The Sanchi area is significant to Buddhists in Sri Lanka.

Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka from a noble son who was born in this area.

"I must thank Ven. Nadigalle Pannathissa Thera for his untiring efforts to transform a once jungle infested area into a sacred area for pilgrims.

I must also thank Minister Dinesh Goonawardene for his role and also all others concerned towards making this project a success," the Prime Minister said.

Sri Lanka Mahabodhi Society President Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thera, Minister Dinesh Goonawardene, Madhya Pradesh Governor, India. Rameshwar Yakoor, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Sivaraj Singh Chauhang, Minister of Public Relations and Cultural Affairs, Madhya Pradesh Luxmykanth Sharma and peoples representatives of India were also present.