In Henan Province, China, President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced the start of work on a temple and a stupa that will incorporate traditional Sri Lankan architectural features reminiscent of the famed “White Horse” temple.
The first Buddhist sanctuary in China was this collection of temples. The choice to start this initiative was decided during a recent conversation between President Wickremesinghe and His Holiness Yin Lee, the leader of the “White Horse” temple, in Beijing.
When Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe served as prime minister, the foundation stone for this temple was set, and Mr. Karu Jayasuriya, the speaker at the time, presided over the occasion. Sadly, the project had been put on hold, but now that President Wickremesinghe is in charge, it is expected to resume with fresh plans in place.
The President further emphasised that this temple will include copies of Buddhist Pali texts that the legendary monk Faxian brought to China from Sri Lanka. This temple will serve as the new home for these priceless scriptures, signalling a substantial cultural interchange between the two countries.
