WFB Grand Medal of Honour presented to President

Rasika SOMARATHNA and Priyanka KURUGALA

The World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB) Grand Medal of Honour was presented to President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday during the closing ceremony of the 60th anniversary celebrations of the WFB, held at the Sugathadasa Stadium.

The medal was presented in recognition of the President's sustained contribution to the Buddhist cause, its role in founding the organization and efforts at propagating Buddhist unity.

In addition the WFB complemented the dawn of peace in the country.

The WFB yesterday concluded its 25th General Conference and 60th Anniversary celebrations which began on November 14 amidst a colorful cultural event depicting Buddhist culture and its significant moments.

The WFB was founded by the then President of the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress Professor Gunapala Malalasekera in 1950, to promote fellowship among Buddhists of various schools of thought.

The conference is being held in 2010 after 26 years. Lay delegates and monks representing 32 countries participated in the event.

The event was hosted by the Government with the support of the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress.