A discussion to review progress on preparations for the 60th anniversary celebrations of the World Buddhist Sangha Council, scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka, took place yesterday (26) at the Presidential Secretariat under the leadership of Venerable Dr Bodagama Chandima Thera, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the World Buddhist Sangha Council, Venerable Dr Maitipe Wimalasara Maha Thera, Secretary-General of the World Buddhist Sangha Council and Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
The conference will commence on 28 November at the Nagananda International Institute for Buddhist Studies in Kelaniya under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and will continue until 02 December. It was also noted that several events would be held in Anuradhapura and Kandy.
The discussion covered plans for the participation of more than 600 delegates, including Buddhist monks representing Buddhist countries around the world, around 250 Sri Lankans residing overseas and approximately 250 Sri Lankan Buddhist monks.
Special attention was given to ensuring the security of all participating monks, including foreign Buddhist monks and delegation members, as well as providing medical facilities, first aid and other infrastructure facilities.
It was also emphasised that the arrival of a large number of foreign participants for the conference would help increase foreign exchange earnings and promote tourism.
The World Buddhist Sangha Council also plans to donate Rs. 500,000 to each of 15 Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka damaged by Cyclone Ditwah to support their restoration. This initiative was also discussed at the meeting.
The provision of necessary infrastructure facilities and arrangements for decorations at the conference venues and surrounding cities were also discussed.
The meeting was attended by a group of Buddhist monks, including Venerable Dr Rambukewela Gnanaseeha Thera, Assistant Secretary of the World Buddhist Sangha Council.
Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Prince Senadheera, Commissioner-General of Buddhist Affairs R.M.G. Senaratne, Deputy Inspector General of Police Kalinga Jayasinghe and Director of Personnel Administration at Sri Lanka Army Headquarters, Brigadier A.P.A.D.D. Dharmakeerthi, along with government officials and heads of security agencies, also participated in the discussion.
