Gen Shwe opens Myanmar Chamber at Maligawa

Indika Polkotuwa

Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of Myanmar General Than Shwe opened the Myanmar Chamber of the International Buddhist Museum that is being constructed in the premises of the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy yesterday.

The visiting Myanmar leader was conducted to the Sri Dalada Maligawa in a colourful procession led by traditional Kandyan dancers and was received by Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara at the Maligawa entrance.

Later General Shwe and his delegation paid homage to the sacred Tooth Relic. General Than Shwe placed a valuable Buddha statue in the Myanmar chamber of the International Buddhist Museum and donated US$ 10,000 to the Maligawa Development Fund.

Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara received the donation.

Schwedogon Viharaya in Myanmar and the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Sri Lanka entered into an agreement yesterday to protect and promote Buddhism in the two countries. Myanmar Ambassador in Sri Lanka U Ohn Thwin and Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara signed the agreements on behalf of the two temples.

The visiting Myanmar leader and his entourage held a Sanghikadana to Bhikkus at the Maligawa yesterday. He planted a mango sapling in the Maligawa premises to mark his visit.

The history and evolution of Buddhism in 14 countries in Asia will be depicted in these chambers which is to be set up in the Museum. The authorities have already come to an agreement with 10 countries over the setting up of such chambers.