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| Sunday, 19 May 2002 |
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Sri Lanka to reconstruct Ayodhya by CHAMIKARA WEERASINGHE Sri Lanka Foreign Affairs Minister Tyronne Fernando will hand over Rs. 9 million to his Thailand counterpart Surakiriyath Sathirathai, to re-construct Thailand's historic Buddhist temple, Ayodhya. This will take place when Mr. Fernando meets him during the course of this week in Bangkok. The President's Fund has allocated the money, Lal Peiris Co-ordinating Secretary to Minister Fernando said. Meanwhile, the Government of Thailand is to fund the Ministry of Buddha Sasana to be used in the process of re-constructing the historic Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, according to Ven. Wimalarathana thera of Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya. The events coincide with Sri Lanka's intentions to extend its goodwill and appreciation to Thailand's historic participation in the re-establishment of Upasampada in Sri Lanka some 249 years ago. The government of Sri Lanka and Thailand have already selected that Thailand's much celebrated Buddhist temple, "Ayodhya" as the official venue, as the two countries have agreed to hold celebrations to mark the completion of 250 th year to the historic event in the following year, according to sources of Ministry of Buddha Sasana. The arrangements are presently being discussed at the highest levels of the two governments to ensure public participation of both countries in the celebrations with State patronage. The aim is to share friendship that will improve bi-lateral relationships of the countries, the sources said. The Upasampada was restored by a company of 250 Buddhist Bhikkus headed by Ven. Upali thera with moral discipline of highest calibre , who had sailed from Siyam ( Now known as Thailand) to Sri Lanka, during the reign of King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe. The visit also led to the establishment of Siyam Maha Nikaya in the country. The Ministry of Buddha Sasana is making arrangements to celebrate the event while the Foreign Affairs Ministry is handling logistics, said Foreign Ministry sources. |
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