Namal Rajapaksa meets PM Modi, gifts Sinhala version of Bhagavad Gita

20 October 2021 03:33 pm - 16 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Minister Namal Rajapaksa on Wednesday gifted a Sinhala version of Bhagwad Gita to Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi. It also carries a message from the Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa.

“When Minister Namal Rajapaksa met our PM, he presented to him a copy of Bhagavad Gita in Sinhala language, in which his father Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa has written a personal message to our PM, " said Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, in Kushinagar, the Indian media reported.

Namal Rajpaksa said India’s invitation to a delegation of Sri Lankan Buddhist clergies to join the inaugural international flight to Kushinagar will be cherished for years to come.

Speaking at an event organised to mark Abhidhamma Day, Rajapaksa said, “It gives me great pleasure and honour to be on the inaugural international flight to Kushinagar on the auspicious day of Vap Poya Day. I recall it was Indian PM Modi who suggested to the Sri Lankan Prime Minister during the Virtual Bilateral Summit with Sri Lanka in September 2020, that 100 members of Buddhist clergy must join for the inaugural flight to Kushinagar operated by Sri Lankan airlines. It’s an honour we will cherish for years to come."

Rajapaksa said that Buddhism is the greatest gift India had given to Sri Lanka.

He further noted that Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa commissioned the translation of Bhagwad Gita in all languages spoken in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Minister further thanked Prime Minister Modi for extending a grant of USD 50 million to strengthen Buddhist ties between our two nations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Kushinagar International Airport in Uttar Pradesh earlier on Wednesday. On June 24, 2020, Kushinagar Airport was declared as an international airport by the Union Cabinet.

Kushinagar is the final resting place of Gautam Buddha where he attained Mahaparinirvana after his death and is among the most important pilgrim spots for Buddhists.

The new airport, built at an estimated cost of Rs 260 crore, is part of the government’s endeavour to connect Buddhist pilgrimage sites around the world. After inaugurating the airport, Modi said it will boost connectivity and tourism, while also helping develop an entire economic ecosystem in the region and create new job opportunities.

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Comments - 16

Sam Silva Wednesday, 20 October 2021 05:07 PM

Wonder who paid for the clergy expenses.

Dash Wednesday, 20 October 2021 05:37 PM

Hooooo !!!

Mandayan Wednesday, 20 October 2021 06:08 PM

Has he given the Hindi version back?

Dasa P Wednesday, 20 October 2021 10:27 PM

Modi will stop everything and start learning Sinhala now.

Riza Wednesday, 20 October 2021 09:36 PM

NR should have carried Sri Lankan history. The Hindi version of the Dhamma Paddha should have been given. Even as a Muslim I who loves my mother land I have better sense. Politicians from all sides are the worst, more honourable to beg on the road with a tin.

Pathirane Pantha Wednesday, 20 October 2021 10:15 PM

Namal, please tell Mr Modi how your family treats the minority in Sri Lanka in Sinhala version.

History Buff Thursday, 21 October 2021 03:39 AM

In time, we will claim Baghavad Gita was actually written in Sinhala first; was stolen by the Indians and history was rewritten.

MILTON DE SILVA Thursday, 21 October 2021 04:58 AM

Great step towards improving SL-India relations!\... Well done!

Punchi Banda Thursday, 21 October 2021 05:08 AM

The Bhagavad Gita is about good triumphing over evil. Hopefully this will eventually come about in our paradise

sandaruwan Thursday, 21 October 2021 06:56 AM

huh

Ros Weer Thursday, 21 October 2021 07:41 AM

Minister for everything has been travelling quite a bit lately. Wonder why? Opening new accounts for the family same as papa did in Italy?

Ralaharamy Thursday, 21 October 2021 08:38 AM

I can just imagine Modi enjoy listening to the Sinhala version of Baghvat Geetha, in a state of extreme joy. What a gift!

samson de silva Thursday, 21 October 2021 09:24 AM

"Minister thanked PM Modi for the $50 million grant to strengthen Buddhist ties." "However, we're sorry, Prime Minister we used that money to buy liquid urea, also known as urine, from Indian people."

sam panditha Thursday, 21 October 2021 11:36 AM

In what official capacity did Namal undertake this visit? Minister of Youth

sam panditha Thursday, 21 October 2021 11:36 AM

In what official capacity did Namal undertake this visit? Minister of Youth

All thanks dueto Ranil. Saturday, 04 March 2023 08:13 PM

What are these titles to the father and the son? Prime Minister! Where? Minister! When? Is it any indication the Rajapassa family is trying to claw back to power seats, now that Rupee is gaining against dollar and other foreign currencies, all thanks to Ranil? and Gota in Parliament!

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Namal Rajapaksa meets PM Modi, gifts Sinhala version of Bhagavad Gita

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