South Asia’s tallest standing Buddha statue unveiled in Matugama

President Maithripala Sirisena on Saturday unveiled South Asia’s tallest standing Buddha statue in Matugama ,  Kalutara District in the Western Province.

The 135-feet tall Buddha Statue, similar to the Avukana standing Buddha Statue, has been built on a hill top at Batamulla Kanda Buddhist Centre at Matugama with the personal funds of Provincial Councillor Jagath Withana.

Addressing the gathering at the opening, the President said Buddhist philosophy has been instrumental in moulding a righteous society in the country and a moral society could be built based on Buddhist philosophy.

The President planted a Naa sapling at the premises of the Buddhist Centre to mark the occasion. Provincial Councillor Vithana presented the President with a replica of the Avukana Buddha Statue.

The Maha Sangha including the Maha Nayaka of the Ramanna Nikaya Venerable Naapana Pemasiri Thera were present on the occasion.