Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thera Extends Congratulations to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

A special religious ceremony was held yesterday (29) at the Agrashravaka Maha Viharaya in Maligakanda, Colombo, under the patronage of Most Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thera, to extend blessings and good wishes to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking 25 years of his political career.

The ceremony commemorated Prime Minister Modi's political journey, which began in 2001 when he was appointed Chief Minister of Gujarat.

Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thera, Chief Sanghanayake of Japan, President of the Sri Lanka Maha Bodhi Society and Chief Incumbent of the Chetia Giri Viharaya in Sanchi, India, said he had known Prime Minister Modi for nearly three decades and was well aware of his contributions towards the Buddhist community.

The Thera expressed appreciation for several initiatives undertaken by the Indian Prime Minister, including the inclusion of the Sanchi Stupa on India's 200-rupee currency note, the development of Kushinagar as an international airport to facilitate Sri Lankan Buddhist pilgrims travelling to India, and efforts to improve the sacred site of Bodh Gaya.

He also commended Prime Minister Modi's efforts to promote Buddhism internationally through Buddhist conferences and international gatherings.

Ven. Yatawara Pragnarama Thera of the Sawara Lankaji Viharaya in Japan, Ven. Pandit Wallallawita Nanda Thera, Chief Incumbent of the Banagala Pirivena, Sri Lanka Maha Bodhi Society Vice President Wasantha de Silva, and Colombo Young Men's Buddhist Association President Mahendra Jayasekara also attended the ceremony.