Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has called for stronger cooperation among Theravada Buddhist countries, describing Anuradhapura as a sacred centre for Buddhists across the region and highlighting Sri Lanka’s historical role in spreading Buddhism to Southeast Asia.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony of the pinnacle of the Mihindu Maha Seya at Mihintale, Wickremesinghe said Sri Lanka and Thailand shared a centuries-old religious and cultural relationship that should be strengthened through economic cooperation.
He said Anuradhapura should not be regarded as a sacred city belonging exclusively to Sri Lankan Buddhists, but as a place of religious significance to the entire Theravada Buddhist world.
Drawing comparisons with other major religious sites, Wickremesinghe said Anuradhapura held a special place for Theravada Buddhists, just as the Vatican, Jerusalem and Mecca were sacred to followers of other religions.
The former President also renewed his call for the establishment of a “Theravada economy,” referring to his earlier efforts to strengthen economic ties with Buddhist-majority countries, including the signing of a free trade agreement with Thailand.
Wickremesinghe traced the history of Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka to the arrival of Arahant Mahinda Thera during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa, following the Third Buddhist Council in India.
He said Sri Lankan Buddhist monks subsequently played a significant role in spreading Theravada teachings to Thailand and Cambodia, while religious exchanges between the countries helped preserve and restore Buddhist traditions over the centuries.
Addressing the constitutional position of Buddhism, Wickremesinghe said both Sri Lanka and Thailand recognised the importance of protecting Buddhism while guaranteeing religious freedom.
He noted that Article 9 of Sri Lanka’s Constitution gives Buddhism the foremost place, while stressing that every citizen must have the freedom to practise a religion of their choice without discrimination.
The former President also referred to Thailand’s historical support for Buddhism, including the contribution of King Rama V to Anagarika Dharmapala’s efforts concerning the Buddhist holy site of Bodh Gaya in India.
Wickremesinghe thanked the Thai people and the visiting Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand for their contribution to the restoration and unveiling of the stupa’s pinnacle.
He concluded by expressing his wish that the religious merit of the ceremony be shared with the King of Thailand and the Thai people (Newswire)
The post Anuradhapura is to Theravada Buddhists what Vatican is to Catholics: Ranil appeared first on Newswire.