King Norodom Sihamoni inaugurated a new meditation centre in the Angkor Archaeological Park, while also donating $5,000 to fund its operations.

Construction on the centre, named after the King, was completed on March 10 this year, on over 4,000sqm of land located about 5km from Angkor Wat Temple and roughly 3km away from Angkor Thom Temple.

“Today, I am joyful to be here inaugurating the King Sihamoni Meditation Centre. This is a new achievement made possible by the leadership of Great Supreme Patriarch Bour Kry and the generosity of Buddhists in Kokchak commune’s Kok Beng village of Siem Reap town,” he said.

Norng Mean Vo, chief monk at Wat Puthsthan Nokor Reach Thommetta, told The Post that the location of the centre is very suitable as it is in the Angkor Park and will be under the management of the provincial authorities.

Mean Vo said that so far the centre’s compound had a large central hall, two houses for monks to reside in as well as restroom facilities and a kitchen.

“This meditation centre will provide spiritual warmth to Buddhists and those who wish to learn about the Buddha’s teachings. There is nothing like inner peace, and inner peace achieved through meditation is a gift for all Buddhists to share,” he continued.

Provincial governor Tea Seiha thanked the King for the significant contributions he had made to the development of Cambodian society.

“I extend my profound thanks and gratitude to the king for his work on behalf of Buddhism, education and our society,” he said.

Seiha continued that the King has enhanced the country’s prestige and made a significant contribution to the restoration and development of Cambodian society and culture through his support of efforts to reduce poverty and improve people’s welfare and livelihoods.