Sri Lanka and Thailand Join to Promote Buddhist Heritage – Highlighting Local Culture

Theravada Buddhist heritage in Kurunegala | Astronomyinertia, Ridi Viharaya 3, CC BY-SA 3.0

Sri Lanka and Thailand have reached a joint understanding where both nations will look for ways to promote the Theravada Buddhist heritage that is very much a part of the local culture. Apart from the cultural aspect, each of these nations has quite a few ancient Buddhist temples that each have a rich history themselves. These include Sri Lanka’s Silver Temple or “Ridi Viharaya”; this Theravada Buddhist temple dates back to the 2nd century BCE and can be easily reached from hotels in Kurunegala including properties such as Birds Park.

This discussion regarding ways in which to promote Buddhist heritage was made during recent bilateral talks between Prayut Chan-o-cha, the Prime Minister of Thailand and the visiting President of Sri Lanka, Maithripala Sirisena. Current trade relations between the two nations as well as expanding Sri Lanka’s tea trade in Thailand were among the other topics discussed during the meeting.