An Indian Hindu delegation has met senior Sri Lankan Buddhist monks to discuss post civil war recovery assistance, such as national conciliation, interfaith unity and repairing Hindu temples.

The Hindu delegation, which included several priests, dignitaries and intellectuals, met the monks at the Mahabodhi Maha Viharaya, a Buddhist temple in Colombo on June 20.

The meeting was arranged by the Buddhist MahaBodhi Society which has branches around the world including in India.

“Committees have been appointed to improve mutual trust and for the repair of Hindu temples,” said Hindu priest Swami Dayananda Saraswathi, a co-chair of the World Council of Religious leaders who headed the Indian delegation.

The committees would also help promote pilgrimages in the two countries, said Buddhist Monk Banagala Upatissa Thera, the president of the Sri Lanka Maha Bodhi society.

Ways of promoting harmony and unity between Hindu and Buddhist leaders were also discussed during the two-day talks which ended on June 21.

“We have to ensure the fostering of friendships and establishing links as soon as possible are vital to deepen the relationship between religious leaders,” the Buddhist monks said.

“It is the beginning of constructive dialogue between the spiritual masters of both countries. We discussed what has to be done to achieve peace and prosperity in this country. We would like to participate in the development work here,” said Shri R. Govind Hari, secretary of the Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha of India at the end of the talks.

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