India and Sri Lanka signed an MoU to establish a training school for Sri Dalada Maligawa at Pallekele, Kandy.The MoU was signed at the Ministry of Buddhasasana of Sri Lanka by Mr. Y.K. Sinha, High Commissioner of India and Mr. Wasantha Ekanayaka, Secretary, Ministry of Buddhasasana . On a request from Sri Dalada Maligawa, Government of India is undertaking this project to provide necessary infrastructure to facilitate training courses in areas like Kandyan dance and drums; costumes, ornaments and musical instruments; lacquer painting; preservation of ancient paintings and frescos; mahout training; and sculpture making. The project entails construction of a training school building, multi-purpose hall, supply of furniture, office equipment, musical instruments, costumes and other equipment at a cost of SLR 120 million. High Commission of India will float a tender to select contractor/s in consultation with Ministry of Buddhasasana.
The project to support Sri Dalada Maligawa is yet another manifestation of the continued commitment of the Government of India to enhance the strong religious and cultural links that bind the two countrieEarlier in 2010, Government of India installed a 16 feet idol of Lord Buddha at the entrance of the International Buddhist Museum complex in Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy. In 2013, an Indian Gallery that encapsulates the origins of Buddhism in India and its peaceful spread to other parts of Asia and the world was set up at the International Buddhist Museum complex under Indian grant assistances and people.
