Buddhist delegation visits ancient viharaya in Kotapola

An international Buddhist delegation led by Ven Hou Jen Chun, the abbot of the World Buddhist Ch'an Jing Centre of the United States of America will visit Gatabaruwa Raja Maha Viharaya, Kotapola tomorrow.

The delegation comprising Ven Hou Jen Chun, Rev Hsu Shu Nu and four other lay devotees led by Nancy Go came to Sri Lanka on the invitation of Most Ven Kurunegoda Piyatissa Maha Thera, abbot of the New York Buddhist Vihara and were accompanied by Ven Aregama Sirisumana Thera of the viharaya.

They will also visit the Gatabaruwa Raja Maha Vihara, Kotapola. At the vihara, they will offer alms to 25 Buddhist monks from the Kotapala area and lay the foundation stone to a Buddhist Pilgrimage Centre.

The alms giving ceremony and the construction of the pilgrimage centre will be conducted by Ven Dr Kirinde Ananda Thera of the Getabaru Raja Maha Viharaya under the guidance of Most Ven Pandita V Chandavimala Maha Thera.