Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Mandira under construction

Fifty percent of the construction of the 2600 Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Mandira has been completed. To complete the other part of the structure about Rs 200 million is needed, said Buddhist Cultural Centre Director Ven Kirama Wimalajothi Thera.


The Thera was addressing a press conference at the building premises in Tunmulla, Colombo Wednesday.

"We expect to complete the other half of the building by Vesak Full Moon Poya day 2011," the Thera said.

Numerous individuals and organizations have funded Rs 102 million for this memorial. The organizers expect that all people will help in the constructing of the 2600 Sambuddha Jayanthi Mandira.

The organizers had launched a flag week among 2,000 schools to collect donations for the construction of this building. Apart from Buddhist schools, Muslim and Catholic schools also have donated money.

Fund raising program for this purpose will be implemented among Government servants under the aegis of the Public Administration Ministry and the Buddhasasana and Religious Affairs Ministry, beginning next week. It is expected that Government servants will support this program.

"The Sambuddha Jayanthi Mandira will be a Buddhist information Center accessible to people the world over.

This program will help build harmony among all people of the country. This center will act as a major point for the delivering of the Dhamma worldwide," the Thera said.

Organizing Committee Member Yadamini Gunawardhana said President Mahinda Rajapaksa laid the foundation stone for this building. With the blessing of President Rajapaksa we hope to inaugurate the building next Vesak. (Daily News)