Facilities for Lankan pilgrims:

Envoy thanks Bihar's CM

High Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam expressed his appreciation to Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for the efforts being made by the Chief Minister and authorities in the state of Bihar to provide the best possible facilities for visiting Sri Lankan pilgrims.

Kariyawasam met the Chief Minister at his official residence in Patna.

Bihar being the state where Bodhgaya and several sites such as Rajgir associated with the life and enlightenment of Guatama Buddha are located, is an important state for Sri Lankans.

Bihar is also home to Nalanda, the ancient religious centre of higher learning.

Approximately 200,000 Sri Lankan pilgrims visit Bihar every year.

High Commissioner Kariyawasam conveyed to Kumar felicitations from President Rajapaksa. The High Commissioner noted with gratitude steps taken under the stewardship of Kumar, for the resurrection of Buddhist heritage in the state and for the benefit of the large number of Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world who visit Buddhist sites.

Kariyawasam and Kumar paid obeisance to the Pipal Tree, a sapling of the Sacred Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, planted within the premises of the official Residence of the Chief Minister.

The High Commissioner expressed appreciation to the Chief Minister's initiative of planting a sapling of the Sacred Bodhi Tree within the premises of the official Residence which is a manifestation of the commitment of the Chief Minister to honour Buddhist principles and facilitate the activities of Buddhists world-over including those from Sri Lanka.