President declares Sambuddhatva Jayanthi Year

by Nimal WIJESINGHE- Anuradhapura Addl. Dist. Gr. Cor.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa amidst nearly 2000 Buddhist Monks representating the Three Chapters and a large number of Buddhist devotees yesterday declared the year commencing from Vesak Full Moon day 2011, onwards the 2600 Sri Sambuddhatva Jayanthi commemoration year.

The President made the announcement at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Sannipatha hall, adjoining the Sacred Bo-tree in the Sacred city of Anuradhapura.

The President did so while participating at the inauguration of State Vesak ceremony parallel to the 2600 Sri Sambuddhatva Jayanthi commemorative celebrations.

Prior to the ceremony the President unveiled the 22-feet high 2600 Sri Sambuddhatva Jayanthi Memorial erected in the Jayanthi roundabout, which was renamed Sambuddhatva Jayanthi roundabout.

The road named Sambuddhatva Jayanthi Mawatha also was opened by the President to mark the grand event.

At the State Vesak Ceremony the Sambuddhatva Jayanthi commemoration official song was played in addition to the releasing of four commemorative stamps, depicting Lumbini, Kusinara, Buddhagaya and Baranesa Isipatana.

The new stamps and the firstday covers were offered to the Maha Sangha by the President.

The Ruwanweli Chetiyaramadhipathi Ven. Pallegama Hemaratne Nayake Thera handed over the first CD consisting a range of Buddhist religious songs to mark the 2600 Sri Sambuddhatva Jayanthi memorial to the President. The Maha Sangha chanted seth pirith to invoke blessings on the President, the government and the nation in the wake of the 2600 Sri Sambuddhatva Jayanthi commemoration celebrations.