Two Buddhist communities of Sri Lanka and China joined online on 26^th February 2022 to chant Seth Pirith to invoke blessings to commemorate the 65^th Anniversary of diplomatic relations was a first of a kind unique event under the patronage of Most Ven Wenduruwe Sri Upali Anunayake thero of the Asgiri chapter at the invitation Ven.Dr. Kallanchiye Rathnasiri thero, the Chief Incumbent of the historical Abhayagiri Viharaya.

The program commenced at the Abhayagiriya Temple at Anuradhapura with a Sathbudu pujawa and linked online with Sri Lanka Vidyalaya Maradana and at the same linked up with two historical Buddhist temples in China, Ling Guan Temple in Beijing and Putuao Temple in Zhuhai, Guangdong. 65 Buddhist priests from Sri Lanka and 65 Buddhist priests from China joined this program. This program commenced from Abhyagiriya Temple reminisced historical Buddhist ties between ancient Sri Lanka and China.

Most Ven.Wenduruwa Upali thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweliseya , Most Ven Pallegama Hemrathana thero, The Chief incumbent of historical Lannkaramaya temple Most Ven.Dhammajothi thero ,Prof.Medagama Nandawansa thero and host of Buddhist prelates joined Sri Lanka whilst Most Ven.Ming sheng thero from Putuo Temple in Zhuhai and Most Ven.Zhang Chan thero from Linguan Temple in Beijing joined with other Buddhist priests from China.

Days proceedings commenced by Most Ven Wenduruwe Upali thero reading the message from the Chief Prelate of the Asgiri Chapter and said “ Our close association with China in the present and past, and present progress achieved by China is a matter of much awe to all of us. Discipline and dedication to service have been the basis for such progress, which if we also take as an example, can develop our country as well.” Messages from Chief Prelate of Malwatte Chapter and Mahanyake thero of the Rammanna Nikaya were read by Ven Pallegama Hemrathana thero and Prof.Ven.Medagam Nandawansa thero.

The Ambassador of China in Sri Lanka H.E. Qi Zhenhong , Hon. Maheepala Herath the Governor of North Central Province, the Minister of Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya, Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander Gen.Shavendra Silva, Mr.Sumathi Dharmawardena P.C. Hon. President of SLCBFA, Mr.Sunanda Kariyapperuma, Buddhist Affairs Commissioner joined at Abhayagiriya temple, District Secretary of Anuradhapura, Mr.Susantha Balapatabendi P.C., Vice President of SLCBFA , Mr Aruna Silva  General Secretary of SLCBFA , Mr.K.G.Chandrasiri Deputy Treasurer of SLCBFA and   Dr. Palitha Kohona, Sri Lanka Ambassador in China joined with the staff of the Sri Lanka Embassy at the same time from Ling Guan Temple in Beijing. Mr.Ajith Dharmawardena Vice President of SLCBFA and Ms.Prabhodini Marasinghe Treasurer of SLCBFA joined with other members of SLCBFA joined from Maradan, Ode Temple.

The Governor of the North Central Province read the message of President Gotabhaya Rajapakse and President stated that The doctrine of Buddhism has been a key factor in strengthening Sri Lanka- China diplomatic relations. It started during the Anuradhapura era. In subsequent years it led to the development of Political, Cultural and Trade relations between the two countries.

The friendship between the two countries starting from the 1^st century were initiated by the Kings. Bhathikabaya, Gajabaahu and Mahanaama are noteworthy Kings deserving special mention.

Visits of Chinese Buddhist monks for advanced Buddhist education for significant periods are recorded in the notes of esteemed Chinese Buddhist Monk, Venerable Faxian.  Intellectuals and experts of Buddhist doctrine led to the strengthening of the relationship between the two countries.

The Ambassador of China in Sri Lanka in his speech emphasized that the history of the Buddhist exchanges between two countries spans over a thousand years and it’s noteworthy to mention that Ven.Fa-shien thero studied at the Abhayagiri monastery and took back important Dhamma books to China on the maritime silk route and Bhikkuni Dewasara of Sri Lanka established the Bhikkuni sasanaya in China. In addition , Ven.Amogrwajra thero translated sutra in to Chinese language . The Ambassador said China is a trustworthy good friend to Sri Lanka.

Seth pirith chanting was done under the patronage of the Anu Nayaka Thero of the Asgiriya Chapter, Ven. Wenduruwe Upali Nayake Thero and  Ruwanweli Maha Seya Incumbent, Dr Pallegama Hemaratana Nayake Thero,  and priests joined from Sri Lanka Maha Vidyalaya Pirivena led by Ven. Prof. Medagama Nandawansa thero .

Thereafter, a religious program commenced from Linguan Temple in Beijing and Putuo Temple in Zhuhai where Ven Ming sheng thero, Vice President of Buddhist Association of China addressed the gathering and recalled the Buddhist friendship between to countries from time immemorial and said Buddhists are one family of the world. Ven. Ing sheng thero with Ve.Zhang Chan thero and 65 Buddhist priests started with a pujawa and chanting as per Chinese Buddhist tradition to invoke blessings to People of China and Sri Lanka and to mark the 65^th Anniversary of Sri Lanka -China Diplomatic relations. It was an exclusive ceremony that brought two Buddhist traditions on a single online platform using modern technology.