President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday declared open the Sri Dalada International Museum of World Buddhism in Kandy.

The International Buddhist Museum established in the premises of Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy provides the opportunity to study from one location on the world Buddhist heritage. It is the only Museum to study world Buddhism.

The Museum established with the contributions from 17 Buddhist countries including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Korea, Japan, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Maldives. The President after declaring open the Museum inspected the stalls of the foreign nations.

The President also handed over souvenirs to the ambassadors of countries as well as to clergymen who contributed for the setting up of the Museum. A book written on Sri Lanka by Sunil De Costa was presented to the President and the distinguished guests.

The Chief Prelate of Asgiri Chapter Venerable Udugama Sri Buddha Rakkhitha Thero and Maha Sangha, ministers, parliamentarians and a large number of foreign diplomats participated in the event.