A group of Sri Lankans offering flowers at the Peace Pagoda
A Peace Pagoda (Stupa) sculptured by late Mr. Wimal Premachandra of Nendimala Dehiwala was unveiled at the Garden of Nations in Ramallah by Mayor of Ramallah Ms. Janet Michel, Dr. T. Jayasinghe diplomatic Representative for Sri Lanka in Palestine and Deputy Governor of Ramallah and Al-Bireh Mr. Hamdan Bargouthi, to commemorate the 2600th Sambuddhatava Jayanthi anniversary and also to bring peace to Palestine.
A large gathering of diplomats, government officers, journalists, businessmen, travel agents and Sri Lankans were present at this unveiling ceremony held on 12th October 2011.
Mayor of Ramallah Ms. Janet Michel speaking at the unveiling ceremony thanked the Representative of Sri Lanka for providing an inspiring and unique piece of art for the Garden of Nations. She also noted that this creative item is first of its kind in the Middle East. Considering the spirituality associated with the Peace Pagoda the Mayor assumed that it will help to bring peace and prosperity to Palestine.
Dr. T. Jayasinghe speaking at the ceremony thanked the Mayor for providing space in the Garden of Nations to install the Peace Pagoda representing Sri Lanka as it is closely identified with the culture of Sri Lanka and is a symbol of peace, abundance and prosperity. It is ideally suited for Palestine where peace and prosperity are much in need.
Dr. Jayasinghe also explained that Peace Pagoda is a concept developed by a Japanese monk Fujji inspired by the non-violent ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. There are over eighty Peace Pagodas built all over the world by the Japanese and two are in Sri Lanka. These Pagodas are shrines devoted to World Peace.
In conclusion Dr. Jayasinghe stated that the Peace Pagoda is not just a piece of architecture but a symbol of spiritual power that would pervade throughout Palestine. He also gratefully remembered with gratitude the sculptor Mr. Wimal Premachandra who passed away recently.
Mr. Hamdan Barghouthi, Deputy Governor of Ramallah, Al-Bireh and Betunia thanked President Mahinda Rajapaksa for his support to the Palestinian cause during the last 35 years.
Deputy Governor also stated that with this support and blessings of many nations and Peace Pagodas of this nature Palestine would gain proper recognition at the UN.
Sri Lankans who attended the function offered flowers at the foot of the pagoda, lit oil lamps and conducted prayers.
The function was followed by a reception organized by the Municipality.
Representative Office of Sri Lanka
The Palestinian National Authority
23 November 2011
