The Catholic Bishop of Galle, Rt. Rev. Dr. Raymond K. Wickramasinghe today vehemently condemned the attack on Bodh Gaya in India, which stands out as one of the most Sacred Shrines of worship among the Buddhists throughout the World.
Nine serial explosions rocked the internationally renowned temple town of Bodhgaya, including four in the Mahabodhi Temple complex, injuring two monks in the blasts yesterday morning.
The Mahabodhi Temple, the site where Lord Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment, is frequented by Buddhist pilgrims from Sri Lanka, China and Japan and the whole of Southeast Asia.
A suspected Indian Mujahideen member was arrested yesterday from the Nadia district in West Bengal and questioned over whether he had any role to play in the multiple blasts.
In a statement issued, the Bishop of Galle appealed to all the people of goodwill to pray that dialogue may be promoted among the groups of various Religious Faiths in order to “inculcate within the hearts and minds of everyone, mutual respect, understanding, harmony, love and peace that are preached as Supreme Truths and Values in all Religions.”
“His Lordship expresses his closeness to all the Buddhist brothers and Sisters in this hour of great shock and sadness,” it said.
