Closing ceremony under President’s patronage

Sri Sambuddhathva Jayantiya:

Priyanka KURUGALA

The ceremony to mark the conclusion of the 2600th Sri Sambuddhathva Jayantiya celebrations will be held under President Mahinda Rajapaksa's patronage at Temple Trees on May 3, Sri Sambuddhathva Jayantiya Steering Committee Secretary K Kalupahana said. Mahanayake Theras of all three Chapters, 3,000 Buddhist monks, around 500 dasasil mathas and members of Buddhist Associations will participate in the ceremony, he said. The book 2600 years of world Buddhism edited by Prof Asanga Thilakarathna will also be presented to the President, Kalupahana said.

The book consists of information about Buddhism in 35 countries including Sri Lanka.

The Sri Sambuddhathva Jayantiya Steering Committee will also present the programme proposal for the next 10 years, he said. The Postal Department will also issue stamps to mark the Sri Sambuddhathva Jayantiya.

The logo of Sri Sambuddhathva Jayantiya, the Dharma Chakraya and the arrival of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi are included in the stamps, Kalupahana said.