Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his gratitude and appreciation to the scholars and monks in Colombo for joining in the celebration organised by the High Commission of India in Colombo to mark the recognition of Pali as a classical language by the Government of India. “Glad that the Indian Government’s decision of conferring Classical Language status on Pali has ignited a spirit of joy among those who believe in the thoughts of Bhagwan Buddha. Grateful to the scholars and monks from different nations who took part in this programme in Colombo,” the prime minister said on ‘X’ (Twitter).

This week the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), the cultural arm of the High Commission of India, organised a panel discussion on ‘Pali as a Classical Language’ at SVCC, Colombo. Deputy High Commissioner of India, Dr Satyanjal Pandey graced the event with Ranjith Ariyaratne, Secretary of the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, National Integration, Social Security, and Mass Media, Government of Sri Lanka as the chief guest. The inaugural address was delivered by Dr Ven Kirinde Assaji Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple, followed by a panel discussion on the topic.