RUZAIK FAROOK
COLOMBO — Ambassador of Indonesia, Dewi Gustina Tobing, handed over a Buddha Statue from Indonesia to Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena of Sri Lanka. The gift was from Bhikkhu Sri Pannavaro Mahathera, Head of Sangha Theravada Indonesia.
The handing over was carried out at Dharmayathanaya Temple in Colombo on Thursday September 12 in the presence if Venerable Elle Gunawansa Thero, the founder and the chief incumbent of the temple
On the occasion, Dinesh Gunawardena expressed his gratitude to Indonesia and the Indonesian Buddhist people for their contribution to donate the Buddha statues which quality is one of the best.
Ambassador Dewi Gustina Tobing, mentioned that the statue became a symbol of the deep cultural and spiritual bonds that unite the two nations. In Indonesia, the Buddha has been a source of inspiration and wisdom for many generations, and this statue embodies the values of peace, compassion, and enlightenment that are central to Buddhism.
The gift reflects the strong and enduring relationship between Indonesia and Sri Lanka. It symbolizes the commitment of both countries to fostering mutual understanding and cooperation, grounded in the shared ideals of peace and harmony.
This Buddha statue was carved by the best sculptors in Muntilan near Borobudur Temple, Magelang, Indonesia with the main guidelines of the Buddha statue at Mendut Temple.It is made of good quality stone of 1 ton weight and made of whole stone which stands 140 cm tall. The Buddha statues have values: historical, archaeological, aesthetic, social, cultural, and religious.
The gift of Buddha statue from Indonesia to Sri Lanka symbolized a good relationship and brotherhood of both countries that have been established since the 8th century.
