India’s new High Commissioner-Designate pays homage to Mahanayakes via video calls

India High Commissioner-Designate Gopal Baglay yesterday offered prayers to Lord Buddha through a video call each to Ven. Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Mahanayake Thero of Asgiriya Nikaya and Ven. Niyangoda Vijithasiri Anunayake Thero of Malwatte Nikaya.

The High Commissioner-designate prayed for health, happiness, peace and prosperity of the people of Sri Lanka and India.

He also stressed that Buddhism is one of the strongest pillars connecting the two nations and civilisations from the time when the Indian Emperor Ashoka sent his children Arhat Mahinda and Theri Sangamitta to spread the teachings of Lord Buddha at the request of King Devanampiya Tissa of Sri Lanka. He sought Lord Buddha’s blessings in further strengthening the multifaceted ties between the two friendly maritime neighbours.

The Venerable Mahanayake and Venerable Anunayake welcomed the High Commissioner-Designate to Sri Lanka and blessed him for a happy and fruitful tenure here.  

The High Commissioner-Designate had arrived in Sri Lanka on 8 May during the auspicious week of Vesak on board a special aircraft carrying the fourth gift consignment of essential medicines and medical items weighing 12.5 tons from India to Sri Lanka.