China-Lanka ties strengthen - Asgiriya prelate

Tilak PUSHPAKUMARA SENANAYAKE and S K Samaranayake

China-Sri Lanka friendship dated back to very ancient times and the opening of a Chinese stall at the Kandy International Buddhist Museum will help further cement that friendship, said Most Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkhita Mahanayake Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter.

The prelate was addressing a meeting at the Sri Dalada Maligawa auditorium to mark the opening of a Chinese stall at the International Buddhist Museum at the Kandy Old Courts Complex yesterday.

Chinese Buddhist Association Vice President Ven Tsui Chen Nayake Thera said he was pleased to attend the WFB conference held in Sri Lanka which is known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. The opening of a Chinese stall at the Buddhist Museum would further strengthen the longstanding mutual co-operation and friendship between the two countries.

Most Ven Dimbulkumbure Wimaladharma Anunayake Thera of the Malwatte Chapter said the names of late Ven Fahien thera and Ven Hing Yung Sang Thera come into focus when one recollected China and Sri Lanka relations. China had been a great benefactor of Sri Lanka and the BMICH Colombo is a lasting monument for munificence.

Sri Dalada Maligawa Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela said the International Buddhist Museum in Kandy portrayed the Buddhist Culture of 17 countries. He said that there is a great interest among Sri Lankans about the Buddhist revival in China.

Ven Isi Chen Chang Nayake Thera of the Legnan Viharaya in China also spoke.

Central Province Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa and Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake were also present.