Colombo (AsiaNews) - "Catholics around the world are fortunate to attend an event like the World Youth Day. We are happy for them," young Sri Lankan Buddhists told AsiaNews as they offered their best wishes to young people currently gathered for World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil).
"At this international meeting," the young Buddhists explained, participants "can share their feelings, opinions and ideas, suggesting new paths to the world. We [Buddhists] do not have such occasions, so it is our hope that all young Catholics will be able to enjoy a meaningful and joyful experience in Rio. "
This year, Sri Lanka will not send a delegation to World Youth Day. Many young people regret it, but "even if we did not have a chance to go, we, as sons and daughters of Jesus, will pray that this week be a success. In spirit, we shall be with the young people" in attendance.
As a way to "compensate" for their inability to participate in World Youth Day, the Commission for youth of the Archdiocese of Colombo will organise an event for next October at Our Lady of Lanka Church in Tewatta.