Peace Pagoda unveiled in Palestine

A peace pagoda (Stupa) sculptured by the late Wimal Premachandra of Nedimala, Dehiwela was unveiled at the Garden of Nations in Ramallah, Palestine by Mayor of Ramallah Janet Michel, Representative for Sri Lanka in Palestine Dr. T. Jayasinghe and Deputy Governor of Ramallah and Al-Bireh Hamdan Bargouthi, to commemorate the 2600th Sambuddhathava Jayanthi and also as a prayer to bring peace to Palestine.A large gathering of diplomats, government officers, journalists, businessmen, travel agents and Sri Lankans were present at the unveiling ceremony.

Mayor Michel thanked the Representative of Sri Lanka for providing an inspiring and unique piece of art for the Garden of Nations. She also noted that this pagoda is the first of its kind in the Middle East. Considering the spirituality associated with the Peace Pagoda, the Mayor assumed that it will help bring peace and prosperity to Palestine.

Dr. Jayasinghe thanked the Mayor for providing space in the Garden of Nations to install the Peace Pagoda representing Sri Lanka as it is closely identified with the culture of Sri Lanka and is a symbol of peace, abundance and prosperity. It is ideally suited for Palestine where peace and prosperity are much in need, he said.

Deputy Governor Barghouthi thanked President Mahinda Rajapaksa for his support to the Palestinian cause over the last 35 years.

He said with the support and blessings of many nations and Peace Pagodas of this nature, Palestine would gain proper recognition at the UN. Sri Lankans who attended the function offered flowers at the foot of the Pagoda, lit oil lamps and conducted prayers.