Apart from opening its new building, the SBF also celebrated its 60th anniversary yesterday.

Formed in 1949, the SBF was conceived mainly to help less well-off Chinese and to promote Buddhism.

Today, it is a major umbrella body for Buddhists. It runs two schools - the Maha Bodhi School and Manjusri Secondary School, as well as a childcare centre and another student care centre.

It has won over many young followers through use of the Internet, concerts, community activities and overseas visits.

It is also active in social welfare projects like clinics and rehabilitation centres that benefit Singaporeans of all faiths.

This record of not confining aid to its own gives Mr Lee the confidence that Buddhists here will continue to contribute to Singapore and keep society harmonious, cohesive and compassionate.

'On behalf of the Government, I thank Singapore's Buddhist community, the SBF and various Buddhist groups for playing a constructive role in our society,' he said.

Mr Lee also held up the SBF for its efforts in promoting religious harmony. Its members are active in a host of forums, like the Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles in constituencies islandwide.

'I am confident the SBF and the Singapore Buddhist community will remain considerate, moderate and accommodating,' he added.

Mr Lee's call for understanding among people of different faiths was backed by the SBF president and young Buddhists.

Said Mr Cell Lim, 29, a youth manager at the Kong Meng San Phor Kark See monastery: 'When organising events like our annual Vesak Day celebrations, we make it a point to engage youth from other communities and emphasise universal values we all have in common, like compassion.'

The SBF president, Venerable Kwang Sheng, said: 'Living in a multiracial and multi-religious society, it is important for us to promote activities which foster harmony and understanding.

'It is for this reason that friends from various faiths have been invited to share our joy on this occasion.'

This story was first published in The Straits Times.

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