The group was celebrating the 60th anniversary of the planting of the Bodhi Tree and the laying of a Foundation Stone in the temple's compound.

Gracing the occasion was Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.

Because the Buddha attained enlightenment more than 2,500 years ago under a Bodhi tree, it is of sacred reverence to Buddhists.

The Bodhi Tree at the Sri Lankaramaya Temple grew from a sapling brought from the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree from Sri Lanka in the 1930s.

Besides touring the temple, SM Goh also gave a speech on honouring seniors.

He said that the traditional inter-dependence within the family and between generations has been eroded in the modern world.

This is due to public and private institutions providing child care, education, nursing and hospital care services, unlike old times when the young were cared for by the old.

Children, in increasing numbers, are also studying and working abroad, often leaving their parents and aged relatives behind.

He also added that Singapore's current median age is 40. In 20 years time, it is estimated to hit 50.

Read the full report in The Sunday Times.