President instructs appointment of a joint committee for organisational arrangements
Special offering before the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura on 30 November, invoking world peace
The commemorative celebration marking the 60th anniversary of the World Buddhist Sangha Council (WBSC), together with the 2nd Executive Committee meeting of the 11th General Assembly, is scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka from 28 November to 2 December.
A special discussion regarding the organisational arrangements was held recently (24) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The President instructed that a joint committee be appointed, comprising the Minister of Buddha Sasana, a representative of the Presidential Secretariat, the Defence Secretary, the Inspector General of Police, and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in order to provide the required state patronage for this anniversary event, which will be attended by local and foreign members of the Maha Sangha as well as lay representatives.
The organising committee pointed out that it is a significant milestone that this international Buddhist organisation, first established in Sri Lanka in 1966, will commemorate its anniversary in the very country of its origin.
Approximately 600 representatives from 50 countries, representing all Buddhist traditions, Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana, are expected to attend the anniversary celebrations, while the conference will also be held with the participation of 500 members of the Maha Sangha of Sri Lanka, including the Mahanayake Theras of the three Nikayas.
It is also expected to extend invitations to representatives of Buddhist countries, including the King of Bhutan.
The inaugural ceremony will be held on 28 November at the Nagananda International Buddhist University in Colombo. Executive committee meetings and the academic conference are scheduled for 29 November. A special religious offering seeking world peace will be conducted on the afternoon of 30 November before the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura. Religious observances centred on the Ruwanweli Seya and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy have been organised for 1 December.
As the conference will be held following the conclusion of the Vass Period, it is expected to convey a positive message to the world regarding the revival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and to provide considerable impetus to the country’s tourism sector.
Emphasising the national importance of organising this anniversary celebration, the President stated that the Government would extend its full support.
He further instructed that the special committee to be appointed should promptly identify the responsibilities to be undertaken by both the Government and the organising committee and plan future activities accordingly, noting that this would enable Sri Lanka to convey a highly favourable message to the world regarding its hospitality.
Discussions were also held on providing facilities, including special VIP counters at the airport, for the arrival and departure of foreign members of the Sangha and other delegates.
The President also directed officials to visit the Nagananda International Buddhist University, the venue of the programme, to review its infrastructure and future plans and to take necessary measures. He further stressed the importance of issuing formal diplomatic invitations to ensure the participation of delegates from various countries.
He added that the opportunity provided by this conference should be fully utilised to reaffirm Sri Lanka’s Buddhist renaissance before the world and to enhance the country’s prestige.
Among those present were the Chief Secretary of the Malwattu Chapter of the Siam Maha Nikaya and Vice President of the World Buddhist Sangha Council, Ven. Dr Pahamune Sumangala Nayaka Thera; the Chancellor of the University of Ruhuna and Vice President of the WBSC, Ven. Dr Akuratiye Nanda Nayaka Thera; the Vice Chancellor of the Nagananda International Buddhist University and Chairman of the WBSC 60th Anniversary Committee, Ven. Dr Bodagama Chandima Nayaka Thera; members of the Maha Sangha; Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage; and other officials.
