FM promotes cultural and religious ties in Shanghai

(December, 26, Shanghai, China, Sri Lanka Guardian) As part of Sri Lanka’s foreign policy initiative to strengthen cultural and religious ties where we have strong political relations Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama visited the Shanghai Jade Buddha Temple and met the Most Venerable Dr. Jue Xing Nayaka Thero of the Temple and Vice President of the China Buddhist Association.

Venerable Dr. Jue Xing stated that he was happy to welcome the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister on Saturday, 22nd which was a special day in the Lunar calendar referred to as “Dongzi” (shortest day and the longest night in one year). He also warmly recalled the historic ties his temple has had with Sri Lanka in particular the visit by the late Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike in the company of late Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai in 1963. He went on to state that he has visited Sri Lanka 5 years ago and hold fond memories and deep impression of this visit.

The Jade Temple which was constructed in 1882 and has over 2 million visitors a year. In 2008 several delegations from the Temple are scheduled to visit Sri Lanka and the first delegation will leave in January 2008.

Foreign Minister during his meeting extended an invitation to Ven. Jue Xing Nayaka Thero of the Jade Temple to visit Sri Lanka and assist in the development of the Buddhist Zone in Sri Lanka. The Nayaka Thero while thanking the Foreign Minister for the invitation stated that he hopes to lead a delegation to Sri Lanka in the New Year .