International Buddhist parley in Kandy
Sri Lanka will host an International Buddhist Conference to
commemorate the 2600th Sambuddhatwa Jayanthi from March 20 at the
International Buddhist Academy in Pallekele. The Indian Government will
sponsor the event.
This conference is an outcome of bilateral talks between President
Mahinda Rajapaksa and Indian leaders during a visit to New Delhi last
year. This conference is a part of a series of joint celebrations by Sri
Lanka and India to mark the 2600th anniversary of the attainment of
Enlightenment of the Buddha.
Eighteen eminent scholars will address the conference during four
successive academic sessions.
They will also present individual papers. There will be six scholars
from Sri Lanka while the Indian government has nominated another six.
The rest of the scholars are invited from Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam,
Thailand, Cambodia and Nepal. A commemorative volume will also be
published including the presentations of the scholars.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa will grace the occasion as the Chief
Guest and about 550 invitees will participate.
The setting up of an International Buddhist Museum in Kandy and the
erection of a 16-feet tall Buddha statue at the entrance of it will also
be commissioned parallel to this occasion. A Buddhist photographic
exhibition is also planned.
The Ministry Secretary also noted that selected 2,600 Dhamma Schools
will be developed to coincide with the anniversary.
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