Colombo (News 1st): A national festival to commemorate the Thripitakaya was held today (March 23) under the auspices of President Maithripala Sirisena. The event that was held at the Mahamaluwa of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy. The event saw the attendance of the Maha Sangha including the Mahanayakas of the trisects.

Chief Prelate of the Asgiriya Chapter Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Thero noted that in the past the Maha Sangha together with the ruling leaders took steps to protect the purity of the Thripitaka teachings. He said the effort the President is taking to make this a not only a national heritage, but a world heritage as well is highly commendable.

Chief Prelate of the Ramayana Maha Nikaya Venerable Napane Premasiri Thero noted that this is a magnanimous donation, a great effort and a very historical moment. He said in the past the Thripitaka was protected together with the ruling kings and beneficiaries.

A drama depicting the journey of Buddha’s teachings after his enlightenment was also performed at this event.

Speaking at the event Minister Sajith Premadasa made a promise that all of them will stand together and support the President in his journey to protecting Buddhism, to make the Thripitaka firstly a national heritage and then a world heritage.

After a documentary on the Thripitaka, a ceremonial stamp to mark this occasion was unveiled. President Maithripala Sirisena presented the proposal to the UNESCO National Committee to declare the Thripitakaya as a world heritage.

The Head of State noted that it is clearly stated in the constitution that the Sri Lankan government will protect and nourish Buddhism. He said the Thripitaka is the only compiled book that holds an immense source of knowledge and he strongly believes that no matter what obstacles, a difference of opinions, they will be able to make this a world heritage.

President Sirisena noted that after they decided to present a proposal to make the Thripitaka a world heritage, a representative from the Indian Government contacted them and requested the opportunity to second the proposal at UNESCO.