Inauguration of a New Buddhist Temple in Sri Lanka
Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Buddhist leader and founder of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Center (MIMC) in Ladakh, India, led a delegation to attend the inauguration of a Buddhist temple at the Umandawa Global Buddhist Village in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka.
The village, spanning 70 acres, was established by Venerable Siri Samanthabadra Mahathero, a revered monk known for his visionary leadership.
Over 100,000 attendees, including former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and government ministers, graced the event.
Bhikkhu Sanghasena, honored as a guest, delivered a keynote speech, underscoring the enduring cultural and religious bonds between Sri Lanka and India.
He expressed gratitude to the Sri Lankan sangha for their steadfast preservation of the Buddhadharma and acknowledged the pivotal role of Anagarika Dharmapala in the revival of Buddhism in India.
During the ceremony, Bhikkhu Sanghasena bestowed the Himalayan Triratna Award 2024 upon Siri Samantabhadra Mahathero, recognizing his significant contributions to the revitalization of Buddhism in the modern era.
