Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar's First Statue in Sri Lanka | Maitri Setu Full Ceremony 2026

🇮🇳🤝🇱🇰 A HISTORIC MILESTONE: SRI LANKA'S FIRST-EVER STATUE OF DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR | MAITRI SETU FOUNDATION CEREMONY Witness the historic Maitri Setu International Educational & Cultural Complex Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony, held on 30th October 2026 at Sri Bodhidrumarama Purana Viharaya, Biyagama, Sri Lanka. This landmark occasion marks the foundation stone laying for **Sri Lanka's first-ever statue of Bharat Ratna Dr. B. R. Ambedkar**, alongside a statue honouring the great Sri Lankan Buddhist reformer Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala. The Maitri Setu initiative represents a significant step towards strengthening the spiritual, educational, and cultural bonds between India and Sri Lanka, celebrating the shared legacy of Dhamma, equality, compassion, and humanity. 🙏 Special Acknowledgement Our heartfelt gratitude to **Hon. Shri Eknath Shinde Ji, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, and Hon. Dr. Shrikant Shinde Ji, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha)**, for their invaluable support, guidance, and encouragement towards this historic initiative. Their support for this meaningful endeavour is deeply appreciated. Distinguished Dignitaries & Spiritual Leaders The ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries and Buddhist leaders, including: Ven. Malwane Pannasara Mahanayake Thero — Senior Buddhist Spiritual Leader, Sri Lanka Ven. Balangoda Seelarathana Nayake Thero — Chief Incumbent, Sri Bodhidrumarama Purana Viharaya Ven. Bhikkhu Sangharatna Thero — President, Sangha Buddhist Foundation, India H.E. Santosh Jha — High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Hon. Prof. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi — Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Sri Lanka Hon. Dr. Jyoti Waghmare — Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, India Hon. Dr. Ashoka Sapumal Ranwala — Member of Parliament, Sri Lanka Dr. Damenda Porage — Director, Maitri Setu Project & Deputy Secretary General, International Buddhist Confederation The gathering also witnessed the presence of over 200 respected Buddhist monks representing various Nikayas, along with international delegates, government representatives, and devotees. 🪷 Highlights of the Historic Ceremony ✅ Foundation stone laying for the Maitri Setu International Educational & Cultural Complex ✅ Foundation stone laying for the first statue of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar in Sri Lanka and a statue of Anagarika Dharmapala ✅ Inspiring addresses by distinguished Indian and Sri Lankan dignitaries ✅ Special address and blessings by Ven. Bhikkhu Sangharatna Thero ✅ Traditional Sri Lankan cultural performances and Buddhist rituals ✅ Sacred Pirith chanting and blessings by the Maha Sangha ✅ Ceremonial lighting of 14 oil lamps commemorating the historic Dhammachakra Pravartan of 14th October 1956 About Maitri Setu Inspired by the remarkable contributions of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and Anagarika Dharmapala, Maitri Setu aims to become an international centre for Buddhist education, Pali and Sanskrit studies, academic research, cultural exchange, heritage preservation, and social empowerment. The initiative envisions connecting the people of India and Sri Lanka through the timeless teachings of Lord Buddha. Maitri” means Friendship. “Setu” means Bridge. Together, they represent a bridge of friendship, wisdom, equality, and shared cultural heritage between two nations. 📍 Venue: Sri Bodhidrumarama Purana Viharaya, Biyagama, Sri Lanka 📅 Date: 30th October 2026 🎥 Watch the complete historic foundation stone laying ceremony**, including speeches, cultural performances, Buddhist rituals, and the ceremonial proceedings. Subscribe to the official YouTube channel of Ven. Bhikkhu Sangharatna for more updates on Buddhist heritage, international Dhamma initiatives, and social development activities. #DrBabasahebAmbedkar #MaitriSetu #BhikkhuSangharatna #IndiaSriLanka #BuddhistHeritage