President gifts replica of Samadhi Buddha to China
[Tuesday, February 27, 2007 - 7.00 GMT]    

"I am privileged to be present at the historic Linggaung Temple, which is among the oldest religious shrines in China, and which I consider a symbol of peace, brotherhood and mutual respect. I see this temple as a symbol of dignity similar to the Dalada Maligawa where the Sacred Tooth Relic is enshrined in Sri Lanka," said President Mahinda Rajapaksa when he visited the Lingguang Temple in Beijing today. 

President Rajapaksa, who gifted a replica of the Samadhi Buddha statue to the Lingguang Temple, said: "We find here a Tooth Relic of the Buddha brought from India. I have brought with me a replica of the world renowned Samadhi Buddha statue to be enshrined here".

The original Samadhi Buddha statue was located in the Mahamevuna Garden in the historic city of Anuradhapura. It was interesting to note than when the
Mahamevuna Garden was being constructed by King Devanampiyatissa of Sri Lanka, the Chinese were building the Great Wall, President Rajapaksa said.
"This is evidence of the great history shared by our two countries. I consider it a privilege to pay homage at these sacred grounds of the Lingguang Temple," the President added. 

President Rajapaksa traced the many historic links, particularly with regard to Buddhism, that existed between Sri Lanka and China, from the time the
Chinese scholar monk Fa Hsien visited Sri Lanka in the 5th Century AD.  

He said just as in China, Sri Lanka too has many historical monuments, places of worship and centres of pilgrimage, and extended an invitation for Buddhist delegations from China to visit Sri Lanka. 

President Rajapaksa said a centre to further develop Buddhist relations between Sri Lanka and China will be built at the land earmarked for an international Buddhist centre in Sri Lanka.  

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Last Updated Date: February 27, 2007 - 7.00 GMT