(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) – The Foreign Secretary of Pakistan Ms. Tehmina Janjua, during her visit to Sri Lanka for 5th Round of Political Consultations, visited the historic Gangaramaya Temple Colombo. She was accompanied by the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan Dr. Sarfraz Ahmed Khan Sipra and other officials.
The Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple, Ven. Galaboda Gnanissara Thera warmly welcomed the Foreign Secretary and briefed her about the Temple and several social services under the patronage of the Temple.
Ms. Tehmina Janjua, while speaking on the occasion, stated that Pakistan prides itself to be the motherland of Buddhism and Gandhara. She added that the relationship between the two peoples and cultures exists from times immemorial taking a firm shape through two thousand five hundred years old linkages established during the golden eras of Gandhara and Buddhism rise.
She said that Pakistan, despite being a predominantly Muslims country is celebrating Vesak Festival at Taxila since 2016 as an annual festival that shows Pakistan’s commitment and harmony towards other religions. Pakistan has been the proud cosponsor of the UN Resolution of 1999 for declaring Vesak as one of UN annual day.
Chief Incumbent of the Temple, Ven. Galaboda Gnanissara Thera thanked the Government of Pakistan for providing many sacred relics to Gangaramaya Temple. He also paid gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for preserving the Buddhist Monasteries and sacred sites in Pakistan.
