• Proposals presented to strengthen Buddhist relations between Thailand and Sri Lanka.
A delegation led by the Sangharaja of the Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, Venerable Phra Kru Ubon Wachirakun Thero, visited Parliament of Sri Lanka on 5th of February 2025.
Hon. Speaker (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, Hon. Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Secretary General of Parliament Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Director Legislative Services and Director Communications (Acting) Mr. M. Jayalath Perera were also present on this occasion.
During the meeting, a proposal to strengthen Buddhist relations between Thailand and Sri Lanka was presented by Venerable Avissawella Vaga Sri Vajira Wanshathissa Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Deraniyagala Werupalla Sri Abhinavarama Viharaya. The proposal outlined several initiatives, including offering educational scholarships worth Rs. 1.25 million to 25 Sri Lankan Samanera monks, establishing a World Buddhist Center in Sri Lanka, encouraging more Thai tourists to visit Sri Lanka to boost the tourism sector, and organizing a Thai Vesak festival this year with the diplomatic support of the Sri Lankan government.
During his speech at the event, the Hon. Speaker expressed gratitude for the initiative aimed at spreading the true essence of Buddhist philosophy worldwide. He highlighted the values embedded in the Buddha’s teachings and mentioned his intention to present the proposals to the Chief Prelates (Mahanayaka Theros) of all three Buddhist Chapters in Sri Lanka, with the goal of taking further action based on their guidance.
The Hon. Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, also addressed the gathering, recalling the long-standing diplomatic ties between Sri Lanka and Thailand. He expressed appreciation for Thailand’s contributions to the promotion of Buddhism and affirmed his commitment to providing diplomatic support to strengthen the relationship between the two nations. Additionally, Secretary General of Parliament Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera spoke about the positive impact that the Buddhist ties between Thailand and Sri Lanka have had in improving the lives of people in both countries.
The Thailand delegation also participated in an observation tour of the Parliament.
A group of monks led by Venerable Sohit Wattaya M. Pha Trukanpak Pong, Director of the Thai Buddhist Education College, a group of ‘seela mathas’ who had temporarily entered the monastic life in Thailand, and a group of officials from the Public Outreach Section of the Department of Communications of Parliament of Sri Lanka participated in this event.
