Source: Dailynews(Sri Lanka)
The World Buddhist Sangha Council (WBSC) Sri Lanka branch has organised a blessing ceremony for world peace to celebrate the completion of one year of the 2,600th Sambuddhathva Jayanthi commemoration.

Buddhist monks from the 29 member countries of the Council will participate in this ceremony, said Ven Prof Bellanwila Wimalaratana Thera addressing a press conference at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday. Ven Prof Bellanwila Wimalaratana Thera said 480 foreign Buddhist monks from Eastern and Western countries representing the three major sects have confirmed participation while invitations have been sent to about 800 Sri Lankan Buddhist monks to take part in this event.

The inauguration ceremony will be held at the Lotus Pond Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre on May 8 with the participation of President Mahinda Rajapaksa as a special guest.

WBSC President Most Ven Liao Chung Maha Thera and Maha Culalonkorn University in Thailand Rector Most Ven Prof Phra Dhammakosajarn will deliver lectures on the occasion.

A Declaration of Universal Peace will be read and awards will be presented to outstanding Buddhist monks to appreciate their service.

The event is organised under the coordination of Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga.

The delegations of Buddhist monks are scheduled to visit Kandy and Anuradhapura during their stay.

They will invoke blessings by Buddhist chanting at Sri Dalada Maligawa and Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi for world peace and harmony.

The delegation will be able to see the post war situation of the country.

They are scheduled to leave the country on May 11. The WBSC was founded in Sri Lanka in 1967.

Editor of the Sinhala Dictionary Ven. Akuretiye Nanda Thera, Ven Bodagama Chandima Thera and Presidential Advisor on Buddhist Affairs Ven Getamanne Gunananda Thera also participated.
By Disna MUDALIGE