I visited Sri Lanka from April 16 to May 18, 2006, on the auspicious occasion of Vesak 2550. From the base of Sri Sambodhi Viharaya in Colombo 7, Ven. Upatissa Maha Thero patiently took me to many sacred grounds, historical sites, towns and villages. I am deeply grateful to both Ven. Upatissa and Ven. Kusaladhamma Thero, the Chief Incumbent of Sambodhi, for having kindly taken me under their care and protection during my stay in the beautiful country of Sri Lanka. Every Sri Lankan person I met left a warm impression in my heart.

My visit included all four capital cities: Anuradhapura (4th century BCE), Polonnaruva (11th century), Kandy (15th century) and Colombo (19th century, by the British).

Next time, I wish to see the painted caves of Dambulla, to climb all the way up Sigiriya, and to visit Mihintale where Buddhism was inaugurated. I also wish to revisit Kelaniya Vihara and to spend more time at Anuradhapura and Polonnaruva, exploring in detail the stupas, the statues and the ruins.

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