Maha Sangha of Sri Lanka condoles with Japan

On behalf of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha (Assembly) and the entire Sangha of Sri Lanka, including the Mahanayakes of the different Chapters, the President of Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha, Aggamahapanditha Most Venerable Kotugoda Dhammawasa Anunayaka Thera, Chief Incumbent of the Dharmapalaramaya, Mount Lavinia conveys the following message in connection with the great tsunami disaster Japan experienced recently.

“Sri Lanka and Japan have had a long history of religious ties and share a common spiritual heritage. Sri Lanka follows the Theravada tradition of Buddhism whilst Japan has been following the Northern School - Mahayana.”

“Sri Lanka was the first country to appeal to the Western Powers not to penalize Japan for her role in World War II. We looked forward to Japan rising from the ashes of war. Participating in the San Francisco Conference, U.S.A. Sri Lanka’s representative J.R. Jayewardene (later Sri Lanka’s President) reminded the delegates of the quotation from the Dhammapada that states “hatred does not cease by hatred”. Copies of the historic speech he made that day are found in all of Japan’s libraries. Besides, Japan has been contributing immensely to Sri Lanka’s economic development and other needs since diplomatic relations were established between the two countries. Such assistance was given both by successive Japanese Governments and private organizations.”

“The most important contribution Japanese Buddhist monks have made to Sri Lanka is in the sphere of child education. In addition, Japanese Buddhist temples contribute greatly to the improvement of Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. One of the outstanding examples in this regard is the construction of Peace Pagodas in various sacred sites of the island. These are among many services Japan has performed in strengthening the ties between the two countries.” “The recent tsunami that struck Japan caused unprecedented damage and destruction to almost the entire country. We, the entire Buddhist Sangha, lay devotees and other citizens of Sri Lanka sincerely share the feelings of the Japanese people in their hour of sorrow. Our heartfelt sympathies go to His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Akihito (the 125th in a line of great kings), Prime Minister Naoto Kan and his government and the Japanese people.”

“Having experienced the devastating impact of a tsunami in December 2004 we know the grief and pain the Japanese people feel. We are eternally grateful to the invaluable services Japan has performed on our behalf. We fervently hope that Japan and her people would be able to successfully overcome the calamity facing them at present,” the message concludes.