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| Sunday, 25 August 2002 |
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Intl. Buddhist Centre to come up in Kundasale by CHAMIKARA WEERASINGHE On an approval by the Cabinet with recommendations from Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, a series of programs have now been planned at national and international levels, under the supervision of Justice, Law Reforms and Buddha Sasana Minister W. J. M. Lokubandara, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the country's foremost Buddhist Maha Sangha Upasampada of the Shyamopali Sect, which falls on May 15, 2003. The Upasampada Vinaya Karma (higher ordination) took place in Kandy under Buddha Seema-malalaka of Malwatte Chapter in 1753, which saw restoration of Theravada Buddhism in the country. The practice of ordination is said to have been brought from Siam (Thailand) to Sri Lanka in 1746 by a Buddhist delegation led by Ven. Upali Thera, who braved a sea voyage under the guidance of Ven. Welivita Rajaguru Sri Saranankara Thera during the reign of the Kandyan King, Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe. To mark the event, the government has invited Prime Minister of Thailand to grace the commemoration ceremonies in Sri Lanka. Mahanayake Theras of Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters, and senior Buddhist prelates of other Chapters are scheduled to participate at the ceremonies to be held in Thailand. The Ministry of Buddha Sasana has stepped to renovate Thailand's historic Ayodhya temple where Ven. Upali Thera had stayed during his visit to Thailand, in order to obtain the Upasampada. Buddha Sasana Minister W.J.M.Lokubandara had met Ambassador for Thailand in Sri Lanka recently where they had discussions on upgrading Theravada Buddhism, cultural links and exchange of Buddhist delegations between the two countries. The ministry will set up an International Buddhist Research Centre at Kundasale, which will comprise 25 class rooms, 750-seat auditorium, library, computer section, administrative office complex and a hostel. Also, the ministry has accepted several proposals for the development of Buddhism from Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters to be fulfilled under state patronage. Accordingly, an international Buddhist exhibition will be held at the BMICH, Colombo. The City of Kandy will be colourfully decorated with bunting during the Vesak next year. Meanwhile, the government plans to release three stamps and issue a coin during this period. Plans are afoot to open a website for the Asgiriya Chapter. Among the programs undertaken by the Ministry of Buddha Sasana are : Development of Asgiriya Viharaya and areas around, a 'Puja Bhumi' (sacred area) and construction of a Secretariat for the Chapter with quarters to Mahanayake Theras. |
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