The Bhutanese Leading the way.
On behalf of the people of Bhutan, His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen on 22nd April offered prayers at the Kuenrey of the Tashichhodzong, and offered a thousand butterlamps, in memory of those who lost their lives in a series of bomb attacks in Sri Lanka on Sunday. The Prime Minister and government officials also joined in the prayer ceremony.
More than 290 people lost their lives, and over 500 were injured following 8 explosions in Colombo, Negombo and Batticaloa, which mainly targeted churches and hotels as people were worshipping and celebrating Easter Sunday.
His Majesty sent a message of condolence to the President of Sri Lanka, His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena, expressing solidarity of the people of Bhutan with the people of Sri Lanka.
As well as the prayer ceremony held at Tashichhodzong, special prayers are also being held in other important temples, upon the Command of His Majesty The King. His Holiness the Je Khenpo presided over prayers at Namdroling Goenzin Dratshang in Lhuentse. Chenrezi Moenlam was performed in Changangkha Lhakhang, and a thousand butterlamps were offered in Kyichu Lhakhang, Paro, where Zangchoe Moenlam was performed. In Semtokha Dzong, a three-day Mithub Tongchae prayer ceremony is being performed.
Bhutan and Sri Lanka have close relations due to a shared spiritual heritage, and as co-members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Bhutan continues to send a number of students to study medicine in Sri Lanka each year, and a large number of Bhutanese doctors have a special connection to Sri Lanka, having lived and studied there.
