GALLE: There must be a gradual growing of a Buddhist renaissance to protect the Sinhala race and the Buddha Dhamma, said J. R. P. Suriyapperuma at the 40th Anagarika Dharmapala commemoration ceremony held in the Galle Town Hall by the YMBA, Galle.
We should remember Ven. Migettuwatte Gunananda, Munidasa Coomaratunga of ‘Hela Hawla’ and Buddhist revivalist Henry S. Olcott. The best Buddhist reawakening period was between 1850 and 1940, he said.
A march by Buddhists from Borella to Dheepaduttaramaya at Kotahena led by Ven. Migettuwatte Gunananda inspired Buddhists in Colombo during that time, J. R. P. Suriyapperuma commended.
The Chairman of the YMBA Sarath Dias said that his Association will erect a 250 feet high standing Buddhist statue at the Rumassala hill top and appealed for contribution to fulfil this meritorious duty.
Prizes were awarded to students of Dhamma Schools selected for the university entrance.
Sarvodaya Chief A. T. Ariyaratne and veteran journalist Edwin Ariyadasa also addressed the gathering. The meeting was chaired by Ven. Maligaspe Saranatissa Thero.
