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From Ranaweera Manukulasooriya, our Gokarella Corr. "From time immemorial Sri Lanka has very cordial relationships with several countries and it is Buddhism, the great philosophy, the golden thread that bound these countries together. The visit of the Buddhist delegation from six countries to Sri Lanka can be considered a landmark in strengthening the ties among these countries." These sentiments were expressed by Ven. Rambukwelle Pannasara Thero, the chief incumbent of the Pingalpoththa Raja Maha Viharaya, Polgolla, Gokarella welcoming the delegation when they visited the viharaya on April 25. |
The purpose of the visit of the Buddhist delegation is to make an in-depth study of Buddhist shrines of Sri Lanka and other historical sites. Also they wanted to get some doubts regarding the Theravada Buddhism cleared.
The members of the delegation were Mrs. Barbara Smith of USA, Mrs. Caroline Hissink of Holland, Mr. Bill Mckese of USA, Mr. Anoy Karr of Canada, Mr. Yestu Fuch of France, Mr. Richard Redock of England and Mr. Fitz Kodagoda, a Sri Lankan who lives in England.
The delegation had a discussions with several Buddhist monks and lay scholars.
Kohara M. Dissanayake, a lecturer attached to the Wayamba University said that certain conspiracies had been going on against Buddhism on the advice of the World Bank. The World Bank has imposed rules to discourage giving teaching appointments to Sri Lankan Buddhist monks, despite the protection of Buddhism," he added.
Dr. Shantha Herath, DMO, Gokarella district hospital, Abhaya Weerakoon, former Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs and S. K. Kularathna, an English instructor also spoke.