President Mahinda Rajapaksa laid the foundation stone for the construction of the International University of Buddhist and Indic Studies in the ancient Buddhist city of Sanchi in the presence of dignitaries from Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Japan, Cambodia, Mongolia, Nepal and India.
Prime Minister of Bhutan Jigmy Thinlay graced the occasion as a special guest. Chief Minister of India’s Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Cultural Affairs Minister of Madhya Pradesh Lakshmi Kanth Sharma were among those present. President of the Sri Lanka Mahabodhi Society and Chief Sanghanayake of Japan as well as the Chief Incumbent of the Sanchi Buddhist Temple, Venerable Baanagala Upatissa Nayaka Thero was also present.
In the meantime, before the laying of the foundation stone for the Buddhist University, dignitaries paid homage to the Holy Relics of Arahath Seriyuth Mugalan, the chief disciples of Lord Buddha. The President also joined in an observation tour of the Sanchi Stupa precincts after participating in religious observances. President Rajapaksa together with Bhutan's Prime Minister Jigme Yoser Thinley planted a sapling of the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi Tree in Mahamevna Uyana, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka which is believed to be a sapling of the original Bodhi tree in Boddhagaya under which Buddha attained enlightenment 2600 years ago. It was specially brought from Sri Lanka to plant near the Sanchi Stupa
Addressing the ceremony, President Rajapaksa said that his journey to Sanchi, is primarily an act of gratitude on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka. Thanking for the historic opportunity to lay the foundation stone, the President said the Buddha's message of tolerance and understanding is of great relevance today, as the "tragic results of enmity and hatred towards other faiths leading to violence and destruction, and great loss to societies" are seen. "It is of equal importance in the East and West alike," said the President adding that undoubtedly there is a need to go back to the roots of civilizations and search for the wisdom that prevailed in the ancient world.
"The Buddhist and Indic value systems that paved the way to modern concepts of human rights and fundamental freedoms need to be revived," the President noted.
He expressed the hope that the University of Buddhist and Indic Studies will grow strong and the graduates of the University will be inspired by the Buddha's teachings.
Recalling Mahatma Gandhi as the greatest son of modern India, he said people on both sides of the country have duty to spread the message of non-violence, peace and compassion to the world which is "trapped in material-based progress".
The President pointed out profound contribution by Dr B.R. Ambedkar for the revival of Buddhist thought in India and his efforts to incorporate Buddhist and Indic values in the modern day governance systems of the country.
"The Government and people of Sri Lanka and I will continue to contribute towards the success of this University," he finally assured.
As a special feature, a group of artists of Police band played national anthems of three nations- Sri Lanka, Bhutan and India at the end of the programme. Artists also presented various colourful folk dances by Goud and Korku tribal dancers. Scores of Buddhists and villagers from nearby areas have put colourful flags and other decorative items along the roads leading to Sanchi from Bhopal and other areas. President Rajapaksa also visited the Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka at Sanchi before leaving for Delhi via Bhopal.
Governor of Madhya Pradesh Ram Naresh Yadav, Sri Lanka's External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris, MP Sajin Vaas Gunawardena, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Foreign Secretary Karunathilaka Amunugama, Indian High Commissioner in Colombo Ashok K. Kantha and Sri Lankan High Commissioner in New Delhi Prasad Kariyawasam also participated in the ceremony.
Elaborate security arrangements are put in place for the President’s visit in view of the protest by pro Tamil Tiger groups. Borders of Sanchi town have been sealed as part of the security measure. However Police have arrested with the mediation of the Indian Central Government a group of nearly 1000 LTTE loyalists for attempting to sabotage the President’s Indian visit.
Reports emanating from India said that 700 persons along with MDMK Party Leader of India Y. Gopal Swamy alias Vaiko were apprehended on Friday morning when they attempted to forcibly enter the Sanchi City.
Buddhist studies and research will be carried out at this University which is being established in the Sanchi City where places of Buddhist worship prevailed since third century BC. In addition to the conduct of Buddhist research and the provision of Post Degree in the field of Buddhist education, teaching in relation to the Buddha Dhamma on archaeology and Arts will also be undertaken at this University. It will also have a Buddhist Library of international standard.
Plans are underway for the construction of a conference hall and a sports complex to bring about a renaissance in the Sanchi area. Sri Lanka will contribute to the architecture of the Project
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