November 02, Colombo (LNW): A special religious ceremony was held recently (on the 29th) at the Agrashravaka Maha Viharaya in Maligakanda, Colombo, to bestow blessings upon Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking the 25th anniversary of his political career—which began in 2001 when he was appointed Chief Minister of Gujarat. The ceremony was conducted under the leadership of the Most Venerable Banagala Upatissa thero, who serves as the Chief Sangha Nayaka of Japan, President of the Sri Lanka Maha Bodhi Society, and Chief Incumbent of the Sanchi Chetiyagiri Viharaya in India.
During the event, the thero remarked that his friendship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi spans nearly three decades. He further noted that, as a result of this long-standing association, he is well aware of the significant contributions the Prime Minister has made toward the Buddha Sasana and the Buddhist community. He expressed his appreciation for the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi—specifically the inclusion of the Sanchi Stupa on India’s 200-rupee note, the development and designation of Kushinagar as an international airport to facilitate the journeys of Sri Lankan pilgrims visiting the sacred sites in India, the contributions made toward the development of the sacred site at Bodh Gaya, and the ongoing promotion of the pure Dhamma globally through the regular hosting of international Buddhist conferences.
Also present on this occasion were Ven. Yatawara Pragnarama Thero (of the Sawara Lankaji Vihara in Japan), Ven. Walallawita Nanda Thero (Pandit and Head of the Banagala Upatissa Pirivena), Mr. Wasantha de Silva (Vice President of the Sri Lanka Mahabodhi Society), and Mr. Mahendra Jayasekera (President of the Colombo Young Men’s Buddhist Association).
