Buddhist University coming up in Kelaniya
Chaminda Perera
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All Ceylon Buddhist Congress President
Jagath Sumathipala presenting the book on the Nagananda
International Buddhist University which is to be built at
the Manelwatte Temple in Kelaniya to Pure Land Learning
College President Most Ven Chin Kung Thera. Speaker Chamal
Rajapaksa is also in the picture. Picture by Lionel P.
Perera Kelaniya Special Corrspondent |
The foundation laying ceremony of the Nagananda Interntional Buddhist
University at Manelwatta Maha Viharaya in Kelaniya took place at the
temple premises under the patronage of President of the Pure Lands
Learning College Association, Australia Most Ven Master Chin Kung Thera.
Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa and Higher Education Minister S.B. Dissanayake
also participated.
The university will be built at the temple premises at a cost of US$
500 million. Ven Ching Kung Thera is the main sponsor and the advisor of
the university. The university will be built and operated as a model of
ancient Buddhist University of Nalanda.
Ven Chin Kung Thera said the establishment of a Buddhist university
is vital in the protection of Buddhist teachings in the world. A book on
the university was presented to Ven Chin Kung Thera by All Ceylon
Buddhist Association chairman Jagath Sumathipala. Higher Education
Minister S.B. Dissanayake and Senior Prof Sumanapala Galmangoda also
spoke.
Buddhist devotees representing countries such as Thailand, China,
Myanmar, Japan also participated.
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