“Romanized Tripitaka fulfils a long-felt need”- President thanks Thailand
[March 07, 2005 - 07.30 GMT]

At a special ceremony held at the BMICH in Colombo yesterday Princess Galyani Vadhana of Thailand handed over a volume of the Tripitaka, the first in Roman Script of to Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga.

The Thai Princess explained her interest in the exercise. “I am delighted to be here to present the first edition of the Tripitaka of Theravada Buddhism printed in modern Roman Script to the people of Sri Lanka. The Thripitaka is a gift of Dhamma, the sacred words of Lord Buddha. May the preaching of Lord Buddha bring life long happiness and prosperity to the world”, she said.

President Kumaratunga said the event on Sunday would be of special significance for Sri Lanka and the whole world. She said it was an honour to welcome the Thai Princess to Sri Lanka and thanked her for visiting Sri Lanka for the presentation. “The Buddhist community of Sri Lanka is thankful to Princess Galyani Vadhana and the delegation from Thailand for undertaking such a massive task of translating the Tripitaka. It would help promulgate the Dhamma in the whole world,” she said.

“I express our deep gratitude and appreciation. This historic moment will cement the strong relations of many centuries between Sri Lanka and Thailand. Our two countries are in the forefront of preserving teachings of Lord Buddha”.

“A long-felt need has been fulfilled now. Students from all over the world have now access to the great teachings of the Lord Buddha. His teachings help us face the challenges of modern life philosophically. People of the West show great interest to Buddhist doctrine. Their requirement is now facilitated.”

President Kumaratunga recalled historic Thai-Sri Lanka links in context of Buddhist affairs. “The people of both countries have mutually benefited by exchanging the Dhamma. We had a good system of understanding”, the President said. She mentioned that the western colonialism of Sri Lanka in the 18th Century caused an erosion of Theravada Buddhism and it was Thailand (Siam) that helped our country restore Buddha Sasana.

She thanked the King and the Royal family of Thailand for invaluable part they played in preparing the new script, which was shown to her three months ago by a Royal delegation that visited Sri Lanka.

Buddhist Affairs Minister Ratnasiri Wickremenayake, Foreign Affairs Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar and key members of the Buddhist clergy were present at yesterday’s ceremony.

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Last Updated Date: March 07, 2005 - 07.30 GMT