BOI International Buddhist Centre in Piliyandala

The foundation laying ceremony of the BOI International Buddhist Centre took place on May 15 at 10 a.m. at Piliyandala.

BOI Chairman/Director General Dhammika Perera and several officials participated.

The BOI International Buddhist Centre is established to showcase Buddhism and its contribution to society in a single and dedicated location. This centre could become a magnet for Buddhists all around the world as well as those who have an interest in the philosophy of Buddhism.

Under the Mahinda Chinthana, the Government has identified as one of its objectives “making Sri Lanka a Global centre for the propagation of the teachings of the Lord Buddha”.

This is done in order to “enlighten the citizens of the world, the peaceful co-existence through the Dhamma”. The site for the project is at Kesbewa, Piliyandala, which is just 25 kilometers away from Colombo and 50 kilometers from the Bandaranaike International Airport. The land is close to the Bolgoda Lake, which is one of the largest bodies of fresh water in the Western Province.

There are a number of elements to the project. The first is the construction of a 291 foot high Stupa. This will be a solid brick structure based on the design and proportions and a replica of the Maha Thupa of Ruwanweliseya.

The land adjoining the stupa will consist of 14 lots approximately in two acres, which are earmarked as sites for the International Buddhist Centres. The BOI is confident that Governments of Buddhist countries and religious organisations will invest in this centre.

The BOI has already generated interest for the project at missions in China, Japan and Korea and in visiting delegations from Buddhist countries.

This novel project will encourage religious tourism as many Buddhist countries are undergoing rapid economic growth. Buddhism has also grown in importance in the west, notably in the USA, where many prominent Americans have espoused the Buddhist faith.

The International Buddhist Centers will promote academic research and strengthen core values, which will also benefit the Sri Lankan society.