Tibetan cultural lecture and photo exhibition in Colombo

By Shannon Jayawardena 

With the aim of strengthening the bond between Sri Lanka and China and spreading awareness on the country’s historical relationship with Tibet, a Tibetan cultural lecture and photo exhibition was held recently at the BMICH.

The event was organised by the State Council Information Office of The People’s Republic of China in Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka China Buddhist Friendship Association together with the presence of members from the Chinese delegation, members from the delegation of Tibet and students and teachers from several Daham schools.

Sri Lanka China Buddhist Friendship Association President Sumathi Darmawardena said: “On this day we will be sharing knowledge on the nation of Tibet with the citizens of Sri Lanka and what we remember is how during the time the country was under the Dutch, Tibetan Buddhist Monk S. Mahinda graced our nation. Having ownership of such a history, the Buddhist evolution has now achieved a new era. Partaking such a friendship further along and strengthening the tie between the Buddhist citizens amongst the two countries is a blessing that our association has been able to receive.”

When walking down history’s lane, we find China as a very close and friendly neighbourhood country. This is further accentuated by the smooth trade of silk and sale of other commodities to the west through trading ports in Ceylon. Buddhist ties between Sri Lanka and China date back to the Anuradhapura kingdom where Sri Lanka was visited by Fa-Shien Thero between 399-412 to acquire Buddhist Texts. His journey is described as one of his most important travelogues. Thereby the Sri Lanka China Buddhist Friendship Association hopes to continue and build this strong bond that exists among Sri Lanka and China.

Speaking on Tibet’s historical relationship All Ceylon Buddhist Congress Chairman and University of Sri Jayewardenepura Department of Sociology and Anthropology Senior Lecturer Praneeth Abeysundara said: “When we study about the countries’ relationship it is evident that Sri Lanka had many links with China. Since then the trade, political and educational bonds have grown very strong and were first established by Fa- Shien Thero.”

“Similarly many of these monks have inhibited in ancient historical sites such as Thuparamaya and Jethawanaramya and several local monks had travelled to China 11 times as recorded. Such is the history of Sri Lanka China Buddhist relationship. Today there are many books and poems written about this connection that once prevailed and still exists. Therefore we need to embrace this and spread awareness like this event anticipates of achieving,” he added.

Parallel to the cultural lecture and photo exhibition, the occasion distributed white fabric suitable for Daham uniforms and attires to 11 students while a prize giving was organised for all essay competition winners which had been held for the Daham School students.

Pix by Upul Abayasekara