89TH BIRTHDAY OF HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA MEANINGFULLY CELEBRATED IN SRI LANKA

The unveiling of the Buddha shrine at the world’s first Pali and Sanskrit Cultural Exchange Center (Semkay Ling) was a grand and ceremonial affair, held on July 6, 2024, the 89th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in Heyyantuduwa. This momentous event was graced by the presence of the senior Maha Sangha both local and international and numerous distinguished guests..

The Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace had unanimously designated July 6, the birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, as the Universal Day of Compassion. To commemorate this significant occasion, the newly constructed Buddha shrine of the centre was unveiled at the auspicious time amidst ‘Seth Pirith’ by the Maha Sangha.

The ceremony was led by Dr. Damenda Porage, the founder of Semkay Ling, the Pali and Sanskrit Cultural Exchange Center, the Chairman of Sri Lanka Buddhist Brotherhood as well as the Deputy Secretary General, IBC. Joining him were Most Venerable Dr Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Maha Nayake Thero, Most Venerable Prof Pallekande Rathanasara Mahanayake Thero, Most Venerable Prof Kandegoda Wimaladhamma Mahanayake Thero, Most Venerable Dr Waleboda Gunasiri Anunayake Thero, Most Venerable Dr Madampagama Assaji Anunayake Thero, Most Venerable Elikewala Seelananda Nayake Thero, Most Venerable Wanawasi Rahula Nayake Thero, former Vice Chancellor of Sri Jayawardenepura University, Professor Chandima Wijebandara, Prof Anura Manathunga- former Director General Archeology Sri Lanka, Prof K B Jayawardena, Head of the Department of Sanskrit, Ms Shyamali Kannangara, Mr Lional Fernando along with many other esteemed local and international guests.

The event was marked by the offering of precious ‘Ashta Pana’, lotus flowers, incense, and lamps, along with the chanting of sacred Pali sutra to invoke blessings, good health, and ‘Paramayusha’ (long life of one hundred and twenty years) for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

The unveiling of the Buddha shrine stands as a reminder to the enduring values of compassion and peace, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds in a shared celebration of Buddhist heritage and universal harmony