The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Berlin offered 28 Buddha statues on 26th July 2018 to the Theravada Buddhist temple in Frohnau, Berlin. The event also marks the first program to be conducted by the Embassy to felicitate the 65th Anniversary of Sri Lankan-German diplomatic relations.
The meritorious act was initiated by Ambassador Eng. Karunasena Hettiarachchi and was assisted by the members of the ‘Suwatha Kawaya of Independence Sqaure, Colombo 7’, coordinated by Mr. Mahinda Bandara and Mr. Sudath Tennakoon. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs together with the Ministry of Buddha Sasana and Sri Lanka Customs assisted the Mission in bringing the Buddha Statues from Sri Lanka.
The handing-over ceremony was held at the Embassy premises with the participation of representatives of the Sri Lanka Associations in Berlin and the Embassy staff. The resident monk of Frohnau Buddhist temple, Ven. Mahagama Suvineetha Thero, conducted the religious observance and blessed all those who initiated and assisted this task.
On Sunday, 1st July 2018, a special ceremony was held to commemorate ‘Poson’ at the Frohnau Buddhist temple together with a special ‘Atawisi Buddha Pooja’ to bless H.E. the President, the people of Sri Lanka and the participants from Germany.
The Sri Lankans living in Berlin and the German Buddhist community expressed deep gratitude for the offering, which will also contribute to Buddhism in Germany. This gesture will promote the cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Germany and will also facilitate for the betterment of the younger generation of Sri Lankan origin.