The opening ceremony of the renovated Buddhist Shrine of the University of the Sri Jayewardenepura was held on the 19th June 2018 at 4.30 pm. The event was graced by the Mahasanga, Prof. Sampath Amaratunge, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Deans of the Faculties and many academic and non-academic staff members.
The Buddhist shrine was opened amidst the ceremonious chanting of pirith and the offering of flowers. Rev. Pinnawala Sangasumana thero, Senior Lecturer, Department of Geography, stated that this is the first step in the much larger project of building a Mindfulness garden that will benefit the students, academics and the non-academic staff of the university.
Prof. Amaratunge stated that the creation the Buddhist shrine has been long overdue. He stated that its plans could be dated back to the times of Rev. Welivitiye Sri Soratha Thero. Prof. Amaratunge addressing the audience stated that the University was able to finally complete this initial stage due to the ample guidance of the dedicated members of the Sanga within the University.
“The journey of renovating this Buddhist shrine was not without obstacles, but the Sanga in this university guided and aided us greatly in the process. From the very design to the materials, they were able to give us much needed advice. Therefore, as I see it they have been able to fulfill the vision of Rev. Welivitiye Sri Soratha Thero,” he said.
