INAUGURATION OF A STUPA AT HAMBURG MAHA VIHARA

Marking a significant landmark for the Buddhists in Germany, the first ever Stupa was inaugurated at the Hamburg Maha Vihara on 8 September 2018. The Stupa was specially brought from Sri Lanka and the work related to the setting up of a Stupa was initiated by Ven. Dr. Rathmale Punnaratana Thero of Hamburg Maha Vihara with the assistance of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Berlin.

Sacred Relics were enshrined in the Stupa at a special ceremony with the participation of Maha Sangha, including Ven. Dr. Wijayarajapura Seelawansa Thero, the Chief Patron of the Austrian Buddhist (Theravada) Association in Salzburg. Ambassador of Sri Lanka Eng. Karunasena Hettiarachchi, Mayor of Schneverdingen Meike Steffens and Honorary Consul General of Sri Lanka to Hamburg & Schleswig-Holstein Olav C. Ellerbrock also participated in the ceremony.

A large gathering of Sri Lankan and German Buddhists attended and assisted in making this meritorious act a success.Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Hettiarachchi emphasized the importance of this historic occasion, which would enable and facilitate the people to reflect on and instill the teachings of the Great Teacher, Lord Buddha.

At a time when Sri Lanka and Germany mark their 65 years of diplomatic relations, this could be seen as an initiative that further strengthens the religious and cultural relations between the two countries.