Sri Lanka_ The Homagama Poson zone which was held from the 3rd to the 5th of June 2023, to celebrate the Poson full moon Poya Day and the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, featured a special exhibition that was organized by the High Commission (HC) of India in Colombo. The exhibition entailed a vibrant collection of photographs of venerated Buddhist pilgrim sites in India, and other panels that showcased the historic Buddhist ties between India and Sri Lanka.
The exhibition commenced in the presence of the Minister of Transport and Highways and Minister of Mass Media, Bandula Gunawardana who inaugurated the event while members of the diplomatic corps and dignitaries graced the occasion.
The High Commission of India in Colombo had put together a display of photographs of the Dhamek Stupa in Uttar Pradesh, Mahabodi Temple and the Ashoka Pillar in Bihar, Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh, and other various places of worship including archaic sculptures and carvings in India that flaunt the great history encompassing the birthplace and the life of the Buddha.
The Poson full moon Poya Day commemorates the arrival of Buddhism on the island during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa. Recounting the historic tale, the HC of India showcased a lantern, depicting the arrival of Arahat Mahinda on his mission to spread the teachings of the Buddha. Other panels at the exhibition highlighted the four virtues in Buddhism; Metta, Karuna, Muditha, and Upekka while the exhibit also featured panels under the theme of India’s ongoing G20 Presidency, G20 i.e. One Earth, One Family, One Future.
The High Commission of India in Colombo, issuing a statement, announced the willingness of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to present a special grant of USD 15 Million to be allocated for promotional activities pertaining to Buddhism and the Buddhist ties shared by India and Sri Lanka, which serve as a historic and spiritual bond between the two neighboring countries, while plans are currently in motion for the solar electrification of hundreds of temples across the island which will fall under a project facilitated by this special grant.
