Ministry of Defence - Sri Lanka

Ministry to hold religious programmes in view of 'Tripitakabhivandana' Week

March 19, 2019

The 'Tripitakabhivandana' Week has been declared from 16th to 23rd March, to mark the occasion of initiating the process in order to declare the Theravada Tripitaka, the sacred scripture of Buddhists, as a World Heritage. The initiative is mooted under a concept of the President Maithripala Sirisena.

The Theravada Tripitaka was declared as a National Heritage of Sri Lanka by the President at the Aluvihara Temple in Matale in January (05) this year.

In accordance with the 'Tripitakabhivandana' Week a number of events have been organized giving prominence to religious observances at all state institutions across the country.

Several religious programmes have also been planned to be conducted at the Ministry of Defence to mark the 'Tripitakabhivandana' Week. These programmes will include 'Dhamma Sermons, meditation programme and a pledging ceremony. These programmes are to be conducted on Friday (22 March) with the participation of members of the staff, at the Ministry premises.

According to President's media, the 'Janapathi Sadaham Yaththra' program will be conducted on Wednesday (20th March). An alms giving programme is also being organized jointly by the Presidential Secretariat and all Governor's Offices. A request has been made to hoist the Buddhist flag at all state institutions, private entities, houses, vehicles and roads.

The National ceremony to announce the proposal made by Sri Lanka to the UNESCO to declare the Theravada Tripitaka as a World Heritage, with the assistance of other Buddhist countries, will be held under the patronage of the Maha Sangha including the Maha Nayaka Theros of the Tri-Nikayas and with the participation of President Maithripala Sirisena at the Maha Maluwa (Great Terrace) of the Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) on Saturday (23 March).