Lankan-led Initiative makes Ottawa first in world to install road signs for Buddhist temples

For the first time in the world, the City of Ottawa's Public Works and Services Department, in collaboration with the Traffic Operations section, has introduced a road sign system to identify Buddhist temples within the city.

“So far, 14 signs have been installed, marking not only Sri Lankan temples but also those belonging to Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Thai communities,” said Visita Sirin Leelaratna, entrepreneur and founder of the Buddhist Embassy in Ottawa, Canada.

“This initiative makes it easier for people to locate the roads leading to temples, and it has received high praise from drivers.”

“These road signs are displayed in both English and French,” added the mentor behind the project, Leelaratna.

A few years ago, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson approved the hoisting of the Buddhist flag at Ottawa City Hall. This was followed by his proclamation of Vesak Month and the introduction of the official Buddhist Road sign.

The annual Vesak Festival in Ottawa City, with Buddhist groups from Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, China, Thailand, India, and other countries participating. Political leaders, including Leader of the Opposition Pierre Poilievre, also attended the festival.

Leelaratna said that this concept has also been introduced in Sri Lanka, with signage already installed in Ambalangoda and Kottegoda.

Leelaratna, who also built and opened Sirin Park—a meditation retreat and Eco Lodge in a coconut estate in Baddegama — added that he is now engaging Members of Parliament to bring forward a private bill to make Buddhist Heritage month in Canada.

“Recognising Buddhist heritage in Canada’s Parliament, would enable to host Vesak and Poson festivals on a larger scale.”

 It would also demonstrate Canada’s commitment to unity in diversity and hold significant meaning for Canadians of Buddhist origin.