The first ever Stupa was inaugurated at the Hamburg Maha Vihara on September 8 marking a significant landmark for the Buddhists in Germany. The Stupa was specially brought from Sri Lanka and set up under the guidance of Ven. Dr. Rathmale Punnaratana Thera of the Hamburg Maha Vihara assisted by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Berlin.

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

For more photos click here Courtesy of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Berlin