Sangamittha Theri arrival to be commemorated

Walter DAYARATHNE Anuradhapura Dist Spl Corr

A ceremony to mark the completion of 2318 years of the arrival of Arahanth Sri Sangamittha Theri to Sri Lanka, carrying the sapling of Sri Maha Bodhi, will be held on December 20 and 21 in the historical Anuradhapura City, under the patronage of Prime Minister, D M Jayaratna.

According to the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs, Chandraprema Gamage, the event would be held under the instructions of Kelaniya University Chancellor Ven Dr Welamitiyawe Kusaladhamma Thera and Atamasthanadhipathi Dr Pallegama Siriniwasa Thera.

A procession carrying the statue of Sri Sangamittha Theri would commence from the Viharamahadevi Aramaya in Bandaranayaka Mawatha at 2.00 pm on December 20 and terminate at the Sri Maha Bodhi.

The annual convention of the Dasa Sil Matha National Association would be held at 9.00 am on December 21 at Maha Vihara Sannipatha Hall. North Central Province Governor Karunaratna Divulgane, Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayaka, Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs Deputy Minister, M K A D S Gunawardene, and many other dignitaries were expected to participate, Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs said.