China is ready to grant assistance to develop Buddhist centers in Sri Lanka, according to Sri Lankan Prime Minister DM Jayarathna. Jayarathna made the statement following a meeting with a visiting Chinese delegation headed by Minister of Religious Affairs Wong Shuwong.
Wong said at the meeting that Sri Lanka is a center of World Buddhist heritage. The Chinese official also pledged continuous support for Sri Lanka’s massive development programs.
According to Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation, there has been a strong cultural relationship between Sri Lanka and China, which started 1,600 years ago when the Chinese monk Fa-Heian traveled to the island.