Marking yet another milestone in Sri Lankan – German diplomatic relations, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Berlin ceremoniously received a sapling of the Sacred Sri Maha Bodhi on Thursday 27th September 2018. A delegation led by senior Buddhist monks including Ven. Dr. Pallegama Siriniwasa Nayaka Thero – Atamasthanadhipathi, Chief Sanghanayaka of North-Central Province brought the sacred sapling from Sri Lanka to Germany. The sapling was presented to Ambassador Karunasena Hettiarachchi by Ven. Dr.Pallegama Siriniwasa Nayaka Thero at the Embassy premises, which will be planted ceremoniously at the Frohnau Buddhist temple on 30th September 2018 with the participation of Sri Lankan and German Buddhists.
Ven. Priests 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 H.E. the President and Hon. 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 is 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 & Mr. Ananda Wimaladharma who have facilitated the receiving of the Bo sapling to Germany.
The Embassy of Sri Lanka coordinated a dana ceremony, (alms giving) for the priests. The Bo sapling was be placed at the Embassy premises until 30th September 2018 and then was gifted to the Frohnau Buddhist temple for all Buddhists in Germany to pay their reverence.