By IANS,
New Delhi : BJP leader Sushma Swaraj has unveiled a painting depicting Emperor Asoka to mark the 2,600th year of the advent of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
The painting was unveiled at the Sri Lanka high commission here late Saturday.
It depicts Asoka requesting his son Arhat Mahinda to set off to Sri Lanka from Sanchi in Vidisha with the message of Buddhism.
Sushma Swaraj represents Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh in the Lok Sabha.
The painting also shows the sapling of the sacred Bodhi tree being received in Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC.
High Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam said the painting was a celebration of the historic civilisational ties between India and Sri Lanka.
“It is a story that still inspires and can continue to provide inspiration to the people of our two nations,” a statement quoted him as saying.
Sushma Swaraj recalled the important cultural and Buddhist links between India and Sri Lanka and reiterated India’s commitment to the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the island nation.
She said she was impressed by the resettlement, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts of the Sri Lankan government and the approaches by all parties towards reconciliation.
She expressed the hope that the reconciliation process would move swiftly ensuring peace, prosperity and a bright future for Sri Lanka, the statement said.