COLOMBO : The inaugural foundation stone laying ceremony of the “Maitri Setu” International Educational and Cultural Complex, established with the objective of further strengthening historic, cultural, and spiritual relations between India and Sri Lanka, was held on October 30 at the Sri Bodhidrumaramaya Purana Viharaya in Biyagama.
Marking a new chapter in Indo-Sri Lanka friendship, this momentous occasion was graced by a distinguished gathering representing the religious, diplomatic, political, and academic sectors of both countries. The primary objective of the project is to carry forward the historic relations between the two nations to future generations, anchored in Buddhist philosophy, education, cultural heritage, and Buddhist brotherhood.
The ceremony commenced amidst the blessings of the Maha Sangha of the Three Nikayas, led by the Most Venerable Malwane Pannasara Thero, Mahanayake of the Sri Kalyani Samagiri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha of the Siam Maha Nikaya, alongside prelate and deputy prelate Theros of the Three Nikayas.
The event was attended by numerous local and international dignitaries, including the Indian Maha Sangha led by Ven. Bhikkhu Sangharatna Thero, President of the Sangha Buddhist Foundation in India; His Excellency Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka; Prof. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs; Dr. Damenda Porage, Deputy Secretary General of the International Buddhist Confederation and Chairman of the Pali and Sanskrit Cultural Exchange Centre; Dr. Ashoka Sapumal Ranwala, Member of Parliament for Gampaha District; and Dr. Jyoti Waghmare, Member of the Indian Lok Sabha.
Additionally, over 500 attendees, including scholars, Buddhist leaders, and regional public administration officials representing the Biyagama area, participated in the event.
Adorned with traditional cultural performances, the ceremony commenced with the lighting of 14 oil lamps in commemoration of Dhamma Chakra Pravartan Day associated with Dr. B. R. Ambedkar on October 14, following which the attendees were administered the Five Precepts by the Mahanayake Thero.
*Inaugural Foundation Stone Laying for the Statues of Anagarika Dharmapala and Dr. Ambedkar*
As a special highlight of the event, the inaugural foundation stone laying was performed for the statues of Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala and Bharat Ratna Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
This occasion was joined by Sri Lankan and Indian leaders, including High Commissioner Santosh Jha, Minister Prof. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Indian Lok Sabha Member Dr. Jyoti Waghmare, Gampaha District Member of Parliament Dr. Ashoka Sapumal Ranwala, and Project Convener Dr. Damenda Porage.
The philosophies and social missions of these two great figures hold exceptional significance in strengthening the Buddhist and cultural relations between India and Sri Lanka. A key aspiration of this project is to bring Anagarika Dharmapala’s Buddhist renaissance mission and Dr. Ambedkar’s educational and social reform philosophy closer to the younger generation.
