The Inaugural Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony of the “Maitri Setu” International Educational and Cultural Complex Held in Biyagama
The inaugural foundation stone laying ceremony of the “Maitri Setu” International Educational and Cultural Complex, established with the objective of further strengthening historic, cultural, and spiritual relations between India and Sri Lanka, was held on October 30 at the Sri Bodhidrumaramaya Purana Viharaya in Biyagama.
Marking a new chapter in Indo-Sri Lanka friendship, this momentous occasion was graced by a distinguished gathering representing the religious, diplomatic, political, and academic sectors of both countries. The primary objective of the project is to carry forward the historic relations between the two nations to future generations, anchored in Buddhist philosophy, education, cultural heritage, and Buddhist brotherhood.
The ceremony commenced amidst the blessings of the Maha Sangha of the Three Nikayas, led by the Most Venerable Malwane Pannasara Thero, Mahanayake of the Sri Kalyani Samagiri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha of the Siam Maha Nikaya, alongside prelate and deputy prelate Theros of the Three Nikayas.
The event was attended by numerous local and international dignitaries, including the Indian Maha Sangha led by Ven. Bhikkhu Sangharatna Thero, President of the Sangha Buddhist Foundation in India; His Excellency Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka; Prof. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs; Dr. Damenda Porage, Deputy Secretary General of the International Buddhist Confederation and Chairman of the Pali and Sanskrit Cultural Exchange Centre; Dr. Ashoka Sapumal Ranwala, Member of Parliament for Gampaha District; and Dr. Jyoti Waghmare, Member of the Indian Lok Sabha.
Additionally, over 500 attendees, including scholars, Buddhist leaders, and regional public administration officials representing the Biyagama area, participated in the event.
Adorned with traditional cultural performances, the ceremony commenced with the lighting of 14 oil lamps in commemoration of Dhamma Chakra Pravartan Day associated with Dr. B. R. Ambedkar on October 14, following which the attendees were administered the Five Precepts by the Mahanayake Thero.
Inaugural Foundation Stone Laying for the Statues of Anagarika Dharmapala and Dr. Ambedkar
As a special highlight of the event, the inaugural foundation stone laying was performed for the statues of Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala and Bharat Ratna Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
This occasion was joined by Sri Lankan and Indian leaders, including High Commissioner Santosh Jha, Minister Prof. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Indian Lok Sabha Member Dr. Jyoti Waghmare, Gampaha District Member of Parliament Dr. Ashoka Sapumal Ranwala, and Project Convener Dr. Damenda Porage.
The philosophies and social missions of these two great figures hold exceptional significance in strengthening the Buddhist and cultural relations between India and Sri Lanka. A key aspiration of this project is to bring Anagarika Dharmapala’s Buddhist renaissance mission and Dr. Ambedkar’s educational and social reform philosophy closer to the younger generation.
Strengthening Indo-Sri Lanka Friendship is the Objective of the “Maitri Setu” Project
Addressing the gathering during his welcome speech, Dr. Damenda Porage, Chairman of the Pali and Sanskrit Cultural Exchange Centre and Founder of the project, explained the aims and objectives of the “Maitri Setu” project.
He emphasized the necessity of transforming the Buddhist relations built between India and Sri Lanka since historic times into a more practical cooperation in the present day.
He explained the new opportunities created for exchanging Buddhist philosophy, education, culture, and academic knowledge, as well as the practical role models that the current youth generation can derive from the philosophies of Anagarika Dharmapala and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
He further highlighted the importance of building international-level friendship and cooperation by further strengthening the cultural and spiritual relations between the two countries.
Indian High Commissioner Emphasizes the Importance of Further Strengthening Indo-Sri Lanka Buddhist Relations
In his remarks, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, emphasized the long-standing friendship between India and Sri Lanka, and the importance of cooperation rooted in Buddhist heritage.
His address made it clear that such a project can make an exceptional contribution to further developing the religious, cultural, and educational relations between the two countries.
He also stated that the Indian Government has provided 15 million US dollars for the renovation of Sri Lankan temples, and added that, in the same vein, the Indian government will assist the Sri Lankan Government in future developments of the Anuradhapura sacred area to facilitate Buddhist devotees in their pilgrimage activities.
He noted that the “Maitri Setu” project would serve as an exceptional platform to further strengthen Indo-Sri Lanka friendship and enhance mutual understanding among the Buddhist populations of both nations.
Such Projects are Vital for Elevating Buddhist Heritage – Minister Prof. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi
Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Prof. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, stated during his address that the “Maitri Setu” project is a timely initiative built upon a unique concept.
He emphasized the need for such noble endeavors to practically implement the values of Buddhist philosophy in society and to promote Buddhism and Buddhist heritage.
The Minister also pointed out the importance of further developing such concepts and providing the necessary state support to ensure their success.
The Importance of Dr. Ambedkar’s Philosophy for Education and Social Progress
In her address, Indian Lok Sabha Member Dr. Jyoti Waghmare emphasized the importance of education, philosophy, and social progress.
Mentioning the inspiration drawn from Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s educational and social reforms, she spoke about the motivation that philosophy provided for her educational and professional journey. She also expressed her support to carry the “Maitri Setu” project forward.
Furthermore, she expressed her gratitude for the support and steadfast dedication shown by Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde, in safeguarding the Sambuddha Sasana and promoting the Dhamma, as well as by Indian Member of Parliament Dr. Shrikant Shinde for uplifting Buddhist education.
She also noted that the Sri Lankan and Indian peoples are not merely neighbors, but members of the same family.
A Project Bringing Global Value to Biyagama – MP Ashoka Ranwala
Addressing the gathering, Gampaha District Member of Parliament Ashoka Sapumal Ranwala expressed his grateful appreciation to Dr. Damenda Porage of his dedication for this project, which contributes to strengthening Indo-Sri Lanka friendship.
He emphasized that such projects contribute to bringing new value and development opportunities to the Biyagama area through international cooperation, and stressed the importance of advancing positive concepts and programs that benefit the people of both nations.
He also extended his gratitude to Ven. Sangharatna Thero of Maharashtra, the Sangha Buddhist Foundation, and Member of Parliament Dr. Shrikant Shinde for their contributions to making this noble endeavor a success.
Gratitude Expressed for the Success of the Project
Concluding the addresses, Founder President of the Sangha Buddhist Foundation, Ven. Bhikkhu Sangharatna Thero, expressed gratitude to the governments of India and Sri Lanka for their support of this project.
Special appreciation was expressed for the blessings given by Indian Member of Parliament Dr. Shrikant Shinde towards the project.
He also expressed his gratitude and merits to Ven. Balangoda Seelarathana Thero, who performed the ground blessing ceremony (Bhoomi Pooja) for this noble task, as well as to the members of the Buddhist Brotherhood Foundation and the temple’s lay committee who dedicated themselves day and night over the past few weeks to make this event a success.
He pointed out the necessity of creating a prosperous future for the people of both countries based on mutual understanding and spiritual friendship (Kalyana Mittata), emphasizing that everyone must work together to turn this into a reality.
Grand Maha Paritta Chanting
At the conclusion of the event, the Maha Sangha chanted protective Pirith to bestow blessings upon all those who supported and contributed to the success of this endeavor.
A Cultural Bridge Built for Future Generations
The “Maitri Setu” International Educational and Cultural Complex is a project that goes beyond merely constructing physical buildings. It can be described as a long-term endeavor to carry Indo-Sri Lanka friendship, peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding, and educational cooperation forward to future generations.
Preserving Buddhist heritage, promoting academic research, expanding educational and cultural exchanges, and strengthening ties between the people of both nations are among the broad objectives of this project.
Carrying forward the historic Buddhist friendship into practical cooperation in the present, the “Maitri Setu” project moves forward with the aspiration of creating new opportunities for future generations.
“Maitri Setu” — friendship bound by Buddhist heritage, cooperation built in the present, and a cultural bridge created for future generations.
