President Maithripala Sirisena told the delegation of 20R Buddhist Charity Organizations he was looking into the possibility of setting up an international body to propagate Theravada Buddhism.

The delegation of 2O Buddhist Charity Organisations called on President Maithripala Sirisena to discuss about its future philanthropic activities in Sri Lanka at the President’s Official Residence in Colombo on May 13.

The leader of the delegation Master Jun Hong Lu, President of Australia Oriental Radio and Television announced a contribution of Rs 7.5 million for any Buddhist educational activities for youth. “This could be utilized for any youth educational activity of the President’s choice,” he said.

He added that his charity organisation is linked to more than 50 Buddhist charity institutions all over the world and would like to contribute to promote Buddhism and carry forward the message of the Buddha to the younger generation.

He said that his organisation has already donated towards construction of the Museum in Polonnaruwa.

The President said that delegates from more than 70 countries attended the 14th UN Vesak Day celebrations and the Buddhist Conference currently being held in Sri Lanka and said the government would explore the possibility of setting up an International Buddhist organization to propagate Theravada Buddhism to the world.

Endorsing Master Jung Hon Lu’s efforts for educating Buddhism to youths, the President said the endeavour of his government is to improve the moral values of the younger generation through the teachings of the Buddha.

He thanked the 2OR Charity Organisation for the generous donations given for Buddhist educational activities and for the Polonnaruwa Museum and said that he was a proud resident of Polonnaruwa, the ancient kingdom in which the vast majority of people are occupied in agriculture and live a simple life in accordance with the teachings of the Buddha.

President Sirisena said the Buddha’s teachings are relevant for the conflict-ridden world today as Buddhism has answers to any socio political issues prevalent in the present era.

Sri Lankan Ambassador in Paris Tilak Ranaviraja also participated in this occasion. 

(PMD)