President opens Museum of World Buddhism

Dharma SRI ABEYRATNE in Kandy

The Sri Dalada International Museum of World Buddhism in Kandy was opened by President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday.

The Sri Dalada International Museum of World Buddhism established at the former High Court Complex is adjoining a building of the Sri Dalada Maligawa aiming to showcase the historical value of Buddhism. Visitors can also obtain a vast knowledge about the Buddhist culture of Buddhist countries.

However, after many years, on the advice of President Mahinda Rajapaksa an International Museum of World Buddhism was established.

Sixteen countries are showcasing exhibits from their countries in separate chambers at the museum.

The countries are India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Korea, Japan, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Maldives. The President offered felicitation monuments to all country representatives who participated in the establishment of the museum. Asgiriya Chapter Mahanayake Ven Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thera, Ministers Keheliya Rambukwella, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, P. Dayarathne and Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela Bandara also participated.