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Faxian Charity Project launched in Anuradhapura (Pics)

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A programme to distribute dry rations under the Faxian Charity Project was organised by the Buddhist Association of China at the Abhayagiri Temple in Anuradhapura yesterday (27).

The event was held under the auspice of Atamasthanadipathi Ven. Poojya Pallegama Hemarathana Thera and Abhayagiri Viharadhikari Ven. Dr. Kallanchiye Rathanasiri Thera. It was attended  by the members of Maha Sangha, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Charge d’affaires at the Chinese Embassy Hu Wei, officials of the Embassy and the Chinese Buddhist Association.

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2024 China Aid Training Alumni Reception (Pics)

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The Chinese embassy in Sri Lanka held the 2024 China Aid Training Alumni Reception in Colombo yesterday (Oct. 30).
The event was attended by alumni from several training programs offered by China during the year.

Addressing the gathering, Chinese ambassador in Colombo – Mr. Qi Zhenhong said that “over the years, it has used foreign aid funds to hold various training programs in China, inviting nearly 13,000 Sri Lankan friends of various circles to participate in seminars in China.”

“In the new year, the Chinese government will fully consider the development needs of the new Sri Lankan government, improve the pertinence and effectiveness of training programs, and welcome more participants to visit and study in China,” he added.

Secretary to the Treasury – Mr. Mahinda Siriwardena, who was the chief guest of the event expressed his thanks to the Chinese government for the training opportunities, the aid during economic challenges, while also being instrumental in the development of Sri Lanka. He also thanked China for their role in the debt restructuring process.

“We all know how complex and technically challenging this debt treatment process has been, both in terms of ensuring compatibility with the IMF’s Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) as well as ensuring Comparability of Treatment with other creditors. This was possible with Chinese lenders, given the mutual trust and good faith demonstrated by both sides. Sri Lanka hopes that the debt treatment chapter will soon be closed, and we can resume a robust financial relationship, including fresh financing for high quality, priority projects,” he said.

The event also showcased several Wushu demonstrations and entertainment events.

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India hands over solar rooftop systems to religious sites

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A handing over of solar rooftop systems took place at four religious locations: Hokandara Temple, Sri Aanjaneyar Temple, St. Anthony’s Church and Mutwal Jumma Mosque in the Western Province on Oct. 25.

The event was attended by officials from the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), and the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA).

This event, which is a part of India’s assistance of USD 17 million aimed at installing Solar PV Rooftop Systems in 5000 religious sites across Sri Lanka, is designed to reduce energy costs for these institutions while bolstering Sri Lanka’s transition to clean energy.

A media release by the Indian High Commission further notes :

The 5,000 solar rooftop systems will be installed across all nine provinces and 25 districts of Sri Lanka, covering major religious sites representing Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam. This project highlights India’s steadfast commitment to bilateral cooperation in renewable energy, emphasizing the human-centric and secular values underpinning India’s development partnership with Sri Lanka.

With Indian expertise, the project will add 25 MW of solar capacity, generating approximately 37 million units annually, supporting the Government of Sri Lanka’s ‘people-centric energy transition’ policy. The project is expected to be completed by early next year.Beyond the supply and installation of the systems, the project also includes a 5-year maintenance period to ensure long-term efficiency and sustainability.

It may be recalled that during the recent visit of India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar to Sri Lanka, India reiterated its strong commitment to advancing bilateral projects of Sri Lankan priority under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. This initiative is a significant part of these efforts, promoting close cooperation between the two countries.

The project opens a new chapter in the energy partnership between India and Sri Lanka, reinforcing the shared goal of promoting reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy. Other ongoing collaborations in this sector include solar electrification of around 9000 Buddhist Temples and Pirivenas across Sri Lanka under grant assistance of USD 10 million, the hybrid renewable energy project in the three islands off Jaffna, LNG supply and infrastructure development, and the solar power plant at Sampur.

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Panel discussion on ‘Pali as a Classical Language’ held in Colombo (Pics)

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The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), the cultural arm of the High Commission of India, organized a panel discussion on ‘Pali as a Classical Language’ on 23 October 2024 at SVCC. 

Deputy High Commissioner of India, Dr. Satyanjal Pandey graced the event with Mr. Ranjith Ariyaratne, Secretary of the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, National Integration, Social Security, and Mass Media, Government of Sri Lanka as the Chief Guest. 

The event was organised in the context of Classical Language status granted to Pali by the Government of India.
The inaugural address was delivered by Ven. Kirinde Assaji Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple, followed by a panel discussion on the topic. The panel included distinguished scholars, namely Prof. Anand Singh from the Central University of South Bihar, Bodhgaya (via video presentation), Ven. Prof. Miriswaththe Wimalagnana Thero from the Department of Buddhist Culture at the Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies, Ven. Prof. Gonadeniye Pannarathana Thero from the Department of Pali at the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, Ven. Dr. Deniyaye Pannaloka Buddharakkitha Thero from the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies at the University of Kelaniya, and Ven. Dr. M. Sugathasiri Thero from the Department of Buddhist Studies at the University of Colombo.

The speakers focused on the importance of Pali language particularly in the impartation of the teachings of Lord Buddha. The Sri Lankan scholars commended the milestone decision by the Government of India to recognize Pali as a classical language and praised this initiative, highlighting it as a reflection of India’s deep commitment to preserving and propagating Buddhist heritage and culture. The panelists also pointed out that recognizing Pali as a classical language by the Government of India will open up avenues for further collaborations for research in the language by the monastic and academic communities of India and Sri Lanka.

The event saw several monks and scholars in attendance including from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Nepal. Reinforcing the message of Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi at International Abhidhamma Divas on 17 October 2024, the discussions emphasised that granting Pali classical language status would help maintain the purity of Buddha’s message of peace, compassion, and human welfare, ensuring its transmission through generations.

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