Indonesia notes the good relationship it maintains with Sri Lanka
Indonesia has noted the good relationship it maintains with Sri Lanka since the 8th century.
The head of the Indonesian Theravada Sangha, Bhikkhu Sri Pannyavaro Mahanayaka Thera, has donated Buddhist statues to Sri Lanka consisting of one large Buddha statue and 10 statues in small size.
The Statues are located at the Paramitha International Buddhist Meditation Center area in Kadugannawa, Sri Lanka.
The Indonesian Buddha statue was inaugurated on 11 February 2023 by Venerable Vedaruwe Upali Anunayaka Thero at the opening ceremony of the Stone Buddha Statue and the Internal Access Road at Paramitha International Buddhist Meditation Centre, Kadugannawa. The inauguration ceremony was witnessed by Venerable Dr. Bellanwila Dhammaratana Nayaka Thero the founder of the Paramitha International Buddhist Meditation Center.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Dewi Gustina Tobing, attended the ceremony together with Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China Qi Zhenhong and Ambassador of the Royal Thai Embassy Poj Harnpol.
Ven. Bellanwila Dhammaratana in his speech expressed his gratitude to Indonesia and the Indonesian Buddhist people for their contribution to grant the Buddha statues which quality is one of the best.
This large Indonesian Buddha statue was carved by the best sculptors in Muntilan near Borobudur Temple, Magelang, Indonesia. It was carved with the main guidelines of the Buddha statue at Borobudur Temple, from one intact andesite stone of very good quality of 5.5 tons wheight and 2 meters high. The Buddha statues given by Indonesia have values: historical, archaeological, aesthetic, social, cultural, and religious.
Besides the donations from Indonesia, Buddhists from Singapore also donated 50 small statues sculped by the same artists in Muntilan, Indonesia.
The Indonesian Embassy in Sri Lanka said the donation of Buddha statues from Indonesia to Sri Lanka symbolized a good relationship and brotherhood of both countries that have been established since the 8th century. (Colombo Gazette)
