President Rajapaksa made this observation at Temple Trees yesterday (Unduwap Poya day), when he met a young collective of around 200 monks now in Sri Lanka, to participate at the third annual World Buddhist Conference at the Tholangamuwa Sri Sunandarama Raja Maha Viharaya from December 2 to the 5th.

　 　 President Rajapaksa said that he expects to construct an international Buddhist Centre to include and display models of old Buddhist temples of the Buddhist countries of the world in Sri Lanka, so that Sri Lanka and other devotees of the world could pay homage to them.

　 　 The monks represent the Theravada, Mahayana and Thanthrayana Buddhist organisations of the world, from 25 countries, including Sri Lanka, the USA, Malaysia, Nepal, Australia, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Brazil, France, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bhutan, Japan, Switzerland, South Africa and North Korea.

　 　 The monks who are also representing their countries at the 2550 Sri Sambuddha Jayanthiya which is concurrent with the Conference, presented Buddha statues and Buddhist publications to the President.

　 　 They are also expected to tour the country to obtain a fair knowledge of the problems encountered by temples, especially those in remote villages.

　 　 President Rajapaksa obtained aid for the proposed organisation plan of the Ven. Wimalakeerthi Thera from Australia. The Office-Bearers' constitution which includes Sri Lanka too, was presented to the President by Ven. Pandhiwara Soratha Thera.

　 　 The President also presented World Dharmadhutha Sammana and the 2550 Buddha Jayanthi Sammana among others to the monks who participated at the said conference.

　 　 A large gathering including the clergy and the laity attended this function.