ANCL makes donation to Sambuddha Jayanthi Mandira at Tummulla

Amal YASHOMAN JAYASINGHE

Nedimala Buddhist Cultural Centre Director Ven Kirama Wimalajothi Nayake Thera commended the contribution made by the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon (ANCL) Ltd towards the construction of the 2,600 Sambuddha Jayanthi Mandira at Tummulla Junction, Colombo.

He said the ANCL management and the Buddhist Society has set an example to other institutions and Buddhist societies in this respect.

He was speaking at a discussion at the ANCL following a cash donation made on behalf of the ANCL by its Chairman and the Buddhist Society.

The Mandira will hold the world's largest collection of Buddhist texts and information, besides an international conference hall which can accommodate 600 delegates. Facilities would be available there for dhamma research and international Dharma Duta activities. The Mandira comprising 12 stories would cost around Rs 300 million.

Construction has already begun and the Nedimala Buddhist Cultural Centre expects contributions from the Buddhist public and philanthropists to complete the Mandira before the 2,600 Sambuddha Jayanthi. The Nayake Thera said the youth should be educated about pure Theravada Buddhism.

Otherwise youth may not be able to identify even the Samadhi Buddha statue, he added. The ANCL and its Buddhist Society would give their maximum cooperation towards the success of the 2,600 Sambuddha Jayanti Mandira project.

ANCL Chairman Bandula Padmakumara said that the infiltration of Mahayana Buddha statues to our temples brings with it the danger of our youth becoming distanced from Theravada Buddhism.

Members of the ANCL Director Board, Editors of main newspapers and President of the Lake House Buddhist Society were present.