President Maithripala Sirisena declared open the first phase of model Shakya Janapada, built in Kahapola, Piliyandala on Thursday
The model Shakya Janapada includes sacred places in India related to Buddha’s life.
The President opened the first phase in line with the United Nations’ International Day of Vesak in Sri Lanka.
This model Janapada has been built on a 78-acre land at a cost of Rs. 500 million.
The models of King Shuddodhana's palace; Prince Siddhartha's three palaces; birth place; Buddhagaya, his enlightenment place, Kusinara, place of parinibbana, Isipathanaramaya where Buddha delivered his first sermon and other places related to Buddha’s life can be worshipped at the site.
A fully-equipped Buddhist centre, Buddhist library, e-libraries, meditation centre, vegetarian restaurants, leisure halls and car parks will be arranged in the premises.
The President, who opened the first phase by unveiling the plaque, planted a sal sapling at the model Lumbini sal garden.
Archaeologist Vasantha Bidari, who monitored the project offered the book ‘Asirimath Lumbiniya’ to the President at the occasion. The President offered souvenirs to Bidari and Prof. Nimal De Silva, who provided advice for the project. The President offered souvenirs to several other contributors for the project.
President Sirisena visited the exhibition cell in the Shakya Janapada and observed the dansala in the premises.
Ven. Thrikunamalaye Ananda Nayaka Thera, Registrar of the Samastha Lanka Shasanarakshaka Bala Mandalaya Ven. Gonaduwe Gunananda Nayaka Thera, the Maha Sangha representing Nepal, Bhutan, China and Singapore, Ministers Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Patali Champika Ranawaka, Deputy Minister Sarathi Dushmantha Mithrapala, Kesbewa SLFP Organiser Niroshan Padukka, Secretary to the Buddha Sasana Ministry Chandraprema Gamage and Asia Light Foundation Chairman Naveen Gunarathne were participated