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The foundation laying ceremony of the BOI International Buddhist
Centre took place on May 15 at 10 a.m. at Piliyandala.
BOI Chairman/Director General Dhammika Perera and several
officials participated.
The BOI International Buddhist Centre is established to showcase
Buddhism and its contribution to society in a single and
dedicated location. This centre could become a magnet for
Buddhists all around the world as well as those who have an
interest in the philosophy of Buddhism.
Under the Mahinda Chinthana, the Government has identified as
one of its objectives "making Sri Lanka a Global centre for the
propagation of the teachings of the Lord Buddha".
This is done in order to "enlighten the citizens of the world,
the peaceful co-existence through the Dhamma". The site for the
project is at Kesbewa, Piliyandala, which is just 25 kilometers
away from Colombo and 50 kilometers from the Bandaranaike
International Airport. The land is close to the Bolgoda Lake,
which is one of the largest bodies of fresh water in the Western
Province.
The BOI has already generated interest for the project at
missions in China, Japan and Korea and in visiting delegations
from Buddhist countries.
This novel project will encourage religious tourism as many
Buddhist countries are undergoing rapid economic growth.
The International Buddhist Centers will promote academic
research and strengthen core values, which will also benefit the
Sri Lankan society.
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