High Commissioner Harsha Kumara Navaratne and Consul General Thushara Rodrigo attended the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Pagoda (chaithya) and a sublime Buddha Statue at West End Buddhist Temple and Meditation Centre in Mississauga on Sunday 25th June 2023.
Venerable Maha Sangha from the Sri Lankan Buddhist Temples across Canada, Buddhist monks from several Buddhist countries and over 600 devotees, several Municipal Councillors and representatives of political parties took part in the event.
Addressing the gathering, the High Commissioner emphasised the importance of inculcating Lord Buddha’s teachings and way of life to the younger generation. He also said that building of a Chaithya and the Buddha Statue in Canada creates an environment reminiscent of Sri Lanka, and that he appreciates the efforts of Venerable Dhammawasa Mahathera, Chief Abbot of the West End Buddhist Temple and the Dayaka Sabha on embarking on a landmark project.
Sri Lanka High Commission
Ottawa
28 June 2023
