The sapling, presented to Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Germany, Karunasena Hettiarachchi by Ven. Dr. Pallegama Siriniwasa Nayaka Thera at the Embassy premises, was planted ceremonially at the Frohnau Buddhist temple on September 30 with the participation of Sri Lankan and German Buddhists.

The Buddhist clergy from Germany and Austria, senior government officials, ambassadors and diplomats of the Embassies representing Buddhist countries, trustees of the German Dharmaduta Society, members of the Sri Lankan associations in Berlin and the staff of the Embassy were present on the occasion.

The significance of the Bo tree was explained at the ceremony by the Maha Sangha and special religious observances were conducted to bless the President and Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and the people of Sri Lanka and Germany.

Ambassador Hettiarachchi, during his speech, expressed his gratitude to all who assisted this meritorious act, which took place at a significant time when Sri Lanka and Germany are celebrating 65 years of diplomatic relations.He further stated that this would be a unique opportunity for all Buddhists in Germany to pay their homage to the sacred Bodhi Tree.

Ambassador Hettiarachchi also thanked Asela Iddawela, Chairman of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau and Project Director of the Presidential Task Force on Prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease and the representatives of the German Dharmaduta Society - Senaka Weeraratne and Ananda Wimaladharma - who facilitated the task of bringing the Bo sapling to Germany.

The Sri Lankan Embassy coordinated a dana for the monks. The Bo sapling was placed at the Embassy premises until September 30 and was then gifted to the Frohnau Buddhist temple for all Buddhists in Germany to pay their reverence.