Sri Lankan monks want Pakistan to promote its Buddhist sites

Pakistan possessesrich Buddhist treasures, which, with proper projection, could help turn the country into a hub of Buddhist religious and cultural tourism. All it requires is making Buddhist countries aware of this priceless asset through publications, and organising seminars and exhibitions to attract tourists from these countries.

Sri Lankan monks praying in front of the Bo tree at the Taxila museum.

This was stated by a prominent Buddhist monk from Sri Lanka, the Most Ven. Rajakiya Pandita Davuldena Gnanissara Nayake Thera while addressing journalists at the Taxila Museum in Pakistan on Tuesday.

The Nayaka Thera along with Wevaldeniye Medhalankara Maha Nayaka Thera and others are on a state visit to Pakistan.

The delegation is there to explore the religious and cultural potential in various parts of the country, especially Takht Bhai and Swat.

The Most Ven. Davuldena Gnanissara Thera told journalists Buddhism was practised by nearly 70 per cent of the island’s 19 million people, but they had little information about Buddhist sites in Pakistan. He said Pakistan should promote its Buddhist treasures through publications in Sinhala, provide documentaries to the television channels, and organise annual exhibitions to show the world its cultural and archaeological heritage.

Responding to a question, he said he appreciated the efforts by the Pakistan government in preserving Buddhist worship sites. He thanked the Pakistan government for giving them this rare opportunity to be in the land of Buddha and also for their hospitality.