A preliminary planning meeting for the event was held today (15) at the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.
The meeting was convened under the guidance of Venerable Maithipe Wimalasara Nayaka Thera, Secretary General of the World Buddhist Sangha Council, and chaired by Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi together with Deputy Minister Gamagedara Dissanayake.
The event is expected to bring together nearly 600 Buddhist monks, nuns, and lay representatives from more than 50 countries, representing the Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana traditions. Around 500 members of the Maha Sangha from Sri Lanka, including the Mahanayake Theras of the three Nikayas, are also expected to participate.
Established in Sri Lanka in 1966, the World Buddhist Sangha Council is marking its 60th anniversary in the country where it was founded, making the occasion a significant historical milestone for Sri Lanka.
Key Programme Highlights, November 28: Opening ceremony at the Nagananda International Buddhist Institute, Colombo, November 29: 60th anniversary celebrations, Executive Committee meetings, and an academic conference, November 30: A special religious ceremony and prayers for world peace at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, December 1: Religious programmes centred on the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) and the Ruwanwelisaya
Addressing the meeting, Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi described the hosting of the World Buddhist Sangha Council in Sri Lanka as a historic and prestigious occasion. He said the event would showcase Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage and strengthen its international cultural and diplomatic ties.
The Minister further stated that the Government, with the full support of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the President’s Office, would extend every possible assistance to ensure the successful organization of the event.
The meeting was attended by several senior members of the Maha Sangha, including Venerable Gallelle Sumanasiri Thera, Venerable Ittademaliya Indasara Thera, Venerable Bellanwila Dhammarathana Thera, Venerable Mugunuwela Anuruddha Thera, Venerable Wakamulle Udita Thera, Venerable Attangane Sasanarathana Thera, Venerable Malwane Gnanasara Thera, Venerable Athuraliye Nanda Thera, Venerable Rambukevala Gnanaseeha Thera, Venerable Welivitiye Sujeewa Thera, Venerable S. Sumedha Thera, and Venerable Thalagala Sumanarathana Thera.
Also present were Ministry Secretary Prince Senadheera, Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs R.M.G. Senarathna, Additional Secretary H.N. Kumari, and other officials.
