Marking yet another milestone in Sri Lanka – German diplomatic relations, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Berlin ceremonially received a sapling of the Sacred Sri Maha Bodhi on 27 September 2018. A delegation led by senior Buddhist monks including Ven. Dr. Pallegama Siriniwasa Nayaka Thero – Atamasthanadhipathi, Chief Sanghanayaka of Northcentral Province brought the sacred sapling from Sri Lanka to Germany.
The sapling was presented to Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Germany Karunasena Hettiarachchi by Ven. Dr.Pallegama Siriniwasa Nayaka Thero at the Embassy premises, which will be planted ceremonially at the Frohnau Buddhist temple on 30 September 2018 with the participation of Sri Lankan and German Buddhists.
Ven. monks from Germany and Austria, Senior Government officials, Ambassadors and diplomats of the Embassies representing Buddhist countries, Trustees of the German Dharmaduta Society, members of the Sri Lanka Associations in Berlin and the staff of the Embassy were also present at the occasion.
The significance of the Bo tree was explained at the ceremony by Maha Sangha and special religious observances were conducted to bless the President and Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and the people of Sri Lanka and Germany. Ambassador Hettiarachchi during his speech expressed his gratitude for all who assisted this meritorious act, which took place at a significant time when Sri Lanka and Germany are celebrating 65 years of diplomatic relations. He further stated that this would be a unique opportunity for all Buddhists in Germany to pay their homage to the sacred Bodhi Tree.
Ambassador Hettiarachchi also thanked Mr. Asela Iddawela - Chairman of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau and Project Director of the Presidential Task Force on Prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease and the representatives of the German Dharmaduta Society- Mr. Senaka Weeraratne and Mr. Ananda Wimaladharma who have facilitated the task of bringing the Bo sapling to Germany.
The Embassy of Sri Lanka coordinated a dana ceremony for the monks. The Bo sapling will be placed at the Embassy premises until 30 September 2018 and then would be gifted to the Frohnau Buddhist temple for all Buddhists in Germany to pay their reverence.
