Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Viet Nam Prasanna Gamage made an official visit to Tam Chuc Pagoda in the Ha Nam Province of Viet Nam as part of the Embassy’s promotion of Buddhist cultural relations between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka. The Tam Chuc Pagoda is one of the most prominent Buddhist institutions in northern Viet Nam where the 16th UN International Vesak Day celebrations held in 2018.
This Pagoda is also home to a sapling of Sacred Sri Maha Bodhi of Sri Lanka. The sapling was donated to Viet Nam on July 22, 2018 at the celebrations of 16th UN International Vesak Day at the Tam Chuc Pagoda. Thousands of Vietnamese have been paying homage to the sapling since its establishment at the Pagoda.
Ambassador Gamage was received by the Standing Vice Rector of Tam Chuc Pagoda, the Most Ven. Thich Minh Quang.
The Thera expressed his sincere gratitude to the Government and the people of Sri Lanka for donating the sapling of Sri Maha Bodhi, which has become a significant symbol of Buddhism in Viet Nam. Ven. Thera also said that large number of devotees in Viet Nam visit the Pagoda daily to pay homage to this sacred Bo sapling and requested the support of Sri Lanka in promoting Buddhism in Viet Nam.
He also recalled that he has visited Sri Lanka three times on pilgrimage to sacred Buddhist sites.
Ambassador Gamage affirmed the fullest support of the Government of Sri Lanka in all endeavors of the Pagoda in promoting and propagating Buddhism. He also expressed his confidence that religious and cultural cooperation between the two countries will further flourish in time to come.
Most Venerable Thich Minh Quang was accompanied by Nguyen Xuan Trung, Custodian and Nguyen Thi Thu Ha, Deputy Head of Media Department of the Pagoda. Ambassador Gamage was assisted by Prasadi Boomawalage, Third Secretary (Commercial) and Phuong Lan, Public Relations Officer of the Embassy.