Prime Minister Dinesh Gunewardene yesterday said that the late Anagarika Dharmapala was a Sri Lankan who taught the value of humanity to the world.
A ceremony to commemorate the 159th birth anniversary of the late Anagarika Dharmapala, was held yesterday (17) at the Mahabodhi Agrashrawaka Maha Viharaya, Maradana, with the participation of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunewardene. President of the Mahabodhi Society and Chief Sanghanayaka of Japan Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thera also participated.
“It was possible for him to embark on such a difficult journey because of those high qualities of humanity and the light of Buddhism. Because of such qualities, it was possible for him to make the world aware about the teachings of Buddha” the Prime Minister said.
He was speaking at a ceremony to mark the 159th birth anniversary of the late Anagarika Dharmapala at Mahabodhi Agrashrawaka Maha Viharaya, Maradana held with the participation of President of the Mahabodhi Society and Chief Sanghanayaka of Japan Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thera, among others.
The Prime Minister said it was possible once again give back places like where Prince Siddhartha was born, the place where Buddha attained enlightenment, and conducted Dhamma sermons to the people due to the efforts of the late Anagarika Dharmapala.
The Prime Minister went on to say that the late Anagarika Dharmapala taught the meaning of Buddhism to the world.
“He created a unique method in carrying the message of Buddhism to the world because he presented philosophies and religions that existed in the last century and before that in a very simple and meaningful manner,” he added.
