Creating a major cultural landmark in Asia, a ‘Buddhist Cultural Centre’ is to be set up in Pakistan with the blessings of the two Governments.
The coordinating official from the Sri Lankan side for this initiative, Dr. Asela Wickramasinghe said that the initial discussion was made when Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan visited Sri Lanka this year. “Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Minister of Buddhasasana requested to promote Buddhism in Pakistan to which the Pakistan Primer agreed.”
The Pakistani Premier subsequently invited a Buddhist delegation to visit Pakistan and this was done last month when an 11-member team including erudite and highly respected Buddhist monks visited Pakistan for 10 days.
“We were provided top security and other facilities under the bubble concept and were given guided tours of all the Buddhist cultural sites in Pakistan,” Dr. Wickramasinghe said.
He said that the Lanka delegation also spoke to the caretakers and Muslim villagers of these sites. “We were also surprised by the manner in which these Muslim villages respected and protected these Buddhist cultural monuments setting an example of religious harmony.”
He further highlighted that they were able to witness first-hand the respect that Pakistani citizens have for other religions and their keenness on preserving the Buddhist heritage in the country.
He said subsequent to these visits they met with the Pakistani President, Prime Minister, Cultural and Tourist Ministers along with the Sri Lanka Embassy staff.
“We proposed to open a Buddhist Cultural Centre in Lahore for which the Pakistani Government granted approval. They even went to the extent of allocating suitable land for this, free of charge.”
“We now propose to build a three-story building which will include a large conference center, accommodation to house 30 guests, a Buddhist cultural museum, shrine room, and a rooftop meditation center. We hope to raise funds for this initiative through funds and material from Buddhist countries.”
“While Pakistan has the vision to promote Buddhism in Pakistan they are keen especially to develop Buddhist tourism between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.”
He said that as a result of the linkages built with various stakeholders during the visit, arrangements were in process for a Buddhist pilgrimage visit of Sri Lankans to Pakistan in the near future.
“We also want to offer 300 scholarships to Pakistani students to study in Sri Lanka for which we are now drawing a program.”
Venerable Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thera, Chief incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple, on behalf of the delegation, expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister of Pakistan and for the personal involvement of the High Commissioner of Pakistan in extending immense support in arranging the tour, which provided an invaluable opportunity to visit and experience the glorious Buddhist heritage and relics in Pakistan.
He said that the Pakistani authorities and officials gave top priority to their comfort and safety during their stay and were also keen on their views and recommendations on improving facilities for Buddhist pilgrims in the country.
Buddhism in Pakistan took root some 2,300 years ago under the Mauryan king Ashoka. Buddhism has played a major role in the history of Pakistan — the land of which has been part of predominantly Buddhist empires such as the Indo-Greek Kingdom, the Kushan Empire, the Maurya Empire of Ashoka, and the Pala Empire.
The only functional Buddhist temple in Pakistan is in the Diplomatic Enclave in Islamabad, used by Buddhist diplomats from countries like Sri Lanka.
The delegation of Buddhist monks on a goodwill visit to Pakistan from April, 19-26 2021 returned to Colombo on April 26 and were received by the High Commissioner of Pakistan, Major General (R) Muhammad Saad Khattak along with other senior officers of the High Commission of Pakistan in Colombo at the Bandaranaike International Airport.
While welcoming the Bhikkus on their return, the High Commissioner, Major General (R) Khattak said that the highly successful tour was organized by the High Commission of Pakistan in Colombo and was the culmination of ongoing efforts for enhancing people-to-people contacts and Buddhist religious tourism between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
He also appreciated the role and efforts of the Security Forces, the National Heritage and Culture Division, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad for conducting the visit in the most befitting manner.
The delegation included senior monks Ven. Dr. Walpole Piyananda Thera, Ven. Dr. Bodagama Chandima Thera, Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thera, Ven. Dr. Pallegama Rathanasara Thera, Ven. Prof Kallanchiye Rathanasiri Thera, Ven. Uduwe Dhammaloka Thera, Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera, Ven. Embilipitiye Rahula Thera, Ven. Korathota Dammadassi Thera, Ven. Dr. Atapattukande Ananda Thera, Asela Pushpa Kumara Wickramasinghe, and Aaishah Abu Bakr Fahad, who is Second Secretary (Political) at the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo. The travel arrangements were made by Ceylon Tours.
By – Ananda Kannagara / DailyNews.lk
