President pays tribute to WBC Sangha

Atapattu BANDARA

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday paid special tribute to the great service rendered by bhikkus of the World Buddhist Congress (WBC) who arrived in Sri Lanka to perform an Adhishtana Pooja for universal peace, coexistence and prosperity.

The President also offered mementos to 27 foreign Bhikkus representing 30 countries at Temple Trees yesterday.

The bhikkus and bhikkunis of the WBC render a yeomen service to propagate Buddhism throughout the world, he said. Secretary to the President Lalith Weerathunga welcomed the Bhikkus who arrived at Temple Trees.

"Sri Lanka will be the ideal country to convey the message of the importance of peace as Sri Lankans enjoy the dividends of true peace after eradicating 30 year terrorist menace which destroyed the ethnic harmony and unity," the Secretary explained.

"Sri Lankans tolerated the ruthlessness of terrorist atrocity with equanimity due to the teachings of the Buddha which highlights tolerance. Sri Lanka has been the most prominent place to show the world the importance of coexistence", he further said.

The President offered a Buddha statue to WBC chairman most Ven. Lyavu Chunik Thera and distributed commemorative coins issued to mark the 2,600th Sambuddhatva Jayanthi celebrations among the monks. The foreign bhikkus in return, offered Buddhist symbols which were exclusive to their countries to the President.

The foreign bhikkus attended an Ashirvada Pooja and special Pirith chanting at Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre to bring about lasting universal peace, coexistence and prosperity to the world.

The foreign monks are scheduled to conduct an Ashirvada Pirith ceremony at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy tomorrow and also at the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura. Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena and Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Geethanjana Gunawardena were also present.