Buddhist delegation praises Pakistan for its commitment to preserving Buddhist heritage

Maj. Gen. (R) Saad Khattak meets the delegation on its arrival in Colombo (pic courtesy Pakistan HC)

The Chief incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple Ven Dr. Assaji Thera said that Pakistani authorities were keen on the views expressed by a delegation of Buddhist monks during a recent visit to Pakistan. The Ven Thera said so on his return to Colombo on Monday (26).

The following is the text of a statement issued by the Pakistan High Commission yesterday: “The Most Venerable Buddhist Monks delegation on a goodwill visit to Pakistan from 19-26th April, 2021 returned to Colombo on Monday 26th April and were received by the High Commissioner of Pakistan Major General (R) Muhammad Saad Khattak along with other senior officers of its High Commission in Colombo at the Bandaranaike International Airport.

While welcoming the Most Venerable Monks on their return, the High Commissioner Maj. Gen. (R) Saad Khattak said that the highly successful tour was organized by the High Commission of Pakistan in Colombo and was the culmination of ongoing efforts for enhancing people-to-people contacts and Buddhist religious tourism between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

The High Commissioner expressed his gratitude to the Most Venerable Monks for undertaking the tour and the Government of Sri Lanka for facilitating the same. He also appreciated the role and efforts of the security forces, the National Heritage & Culture Division and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad for conducting the visit in the most befitting manner. He underscored that the meetings of the Monks with the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan reflected the strong bilateral relations and deep commitment of the leadership and people of Pakistan towards Sri Lanka.

On behalf of the delegation, the Venerable Dr. Assaji Thera, Chief incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple, expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister of Pakistan and for the personal involvement of the High Commissioner of Pakistan in extending immense support in arranging the tour, which provided an invaluable opportunity to visit and experience the glorious Buddhist heritage and relics in Pakistan. He highlighted that the Pakistani authorities and officials gave top priority to their comfort and safety during their stay and were also keen on their views and recommendations on improving facilities for Buddhist pilgrims in the country.

The accompanying coordinating official from the Sri Lankan side, Dr. Asela Wickrmasinghe, highlighted Pakistan Government’s vision to develop Buddhist tourism between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, to which end the visit of a group of 11 senior Buddhist monks was organized by the High Commission of Pakistan in Colombo in order to explore the Buddhist heritage in Pakistan. He expressed his gratitude to the Government of Pakistan and the High Commission for this initiative and for the wonderful and enthusiastic hospitality of the Pakistani people towards Sri Lankans during their visit. He further highlighted that they were able to witness first-hand the respect that Pakistani citizens have for other religions and their keenness to preserve Buddhist heritage in the country. He also highlighted that as a result of the linkages built with various stakeholders during the visit, arrangements were in process for a Buddhist pilgrimage visit of Sri Lankans to Pakistan in the near future.