Culture Minister unveils new Statue of Buddha on 2nd Anniversary of Tsunami

Culture Minister unveils New Statue of Buddha on
2nd Anniversary of Tsunami


Patricia Ferguson, MSP, Scottish Minister for Culture Tourism and Sports was invited to unveil newly carved sculpture of Buddha to commemorate the second anniversary of the Asian tsunami at Scotland’s Buddhist Vihara. The Buddha, believed to be the biggest in Europe was carved in situ in the Temple in Maryhill. It was commissioned to celebrate the Vihara moving into new premises at 1 Caldercuilt Road, Maryhill, Glasgow. The Buddha was carved by S. L. Senehedheera, a Sri Lankan artist, well known in Sri Lanka (where he was Art Director and programme producer) and U.K.

Despite being held on Boxing Day nearly hundred people gathered for the ceremony. Representatives of Christian, Ba’hai, Sikh and Hindu faiths took part in the traditional Buddhist ceremony held at the new premises.

There are currently five projects being developed in Sri Lanka funded by the generosity of the Scottish people and the Venerable K. Rewatha Thera, the Head Monk of the Vihara, thanked everyone who had contributed towards these projects. He will be visiting Sri Lanka in the New Year to ensure their progress