April 2009

Sri Lankan Ambassador to Japan Visits Rissho Kosei-kai Headquarters

On April 10 the Sri Lankan ambassador to Japan, Mr. Manjusri Jayantha Palipane, visited Rissho Kosei-kai headquarters in Tokyo and conferred with Rev. Yasutaka Watanabe, chair of Rissho Kosei-kai's board of trustees. Also present from Rissho Kosei-kai were Rev. Takeshi Kawabata, director of the General Affairs Bureau; Rev. Keiichi Akagawa, head of the External Affairs Group (Interfaith); and Rev. Yukimasa Hagiwara, deputy director of Rissho Kosei-kai International.

The Buddhist organization has long maintained cordial relations with the Sri Lankan Embassy. Ambassador Palipane came to introduce himself after taking up his post in January.

During their conversation, Rev. Watanabe praised the long history and cultural heritage of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. He said he had visited the country in December and met with Hon. Pandu Bandaranaike, the government's minister of religious affairs. Rev. Watanabe also explained the Donate-a-Meal Movement, one of Rissho Kosei-kai's peace activities, as well as efforts by the World Conference of Religions for Peace to help end civil war in Sri Lanka.

Ambassador Palipane expressed admiration for the movement and said that one of Buddhism's main teachings is ridding oneself of attachments. He stressed the importance of keeping the Buddhist precepts as well as practicing donation.

April 10, 2009

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