October 27, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka will welcome Buddhist monks and international delegates from across the world from November 28 to December 02 as the country hosts celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the World Buddhist Sangha Council.
The international gathering is expected to bring together religious leaders, members of the Buddhist clergy and representatives of the Sri Lankan diaspora, providing an opportunity to strengthen ties among Buddhist communities while showcasing the island’s longstanding religious and cultural heritage.
According to the President’s Media Division, the conference will officially open on November 28 at the Nagananda International Institute for Buddhist Studies in Kelaniya, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Additional programmes are planned for Anuradhapura and Kandy, two cities with deep historical connections to Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
Preparations for the event were reviewed at a meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat on October 26. Those present included organising committee chairman Ven. Dr Bodagama Chandima Thera, Secretary-General Ven. Dr Maitipe Wimalasara Maha Thera and Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
Discussions centred on arrangements for more than 600 participants, including Buddhist monks travelling from various countries, approximately 250 Sri Lankans living overseas and around 250 Buddhist monks from within the country.
Organisers are placing particular emphasis on ensuring that visiting clergy and other delegates can participate in the proceedings safely and comfortably. Security arrangements, medical assistance, first-aid facilities and the provision of essential infrastructure were among the key matters considered during the meeting.
With international visitors expected to travel between several locations during the five-day programme, coordination between government departments, security agencies and event organisers will be important to ensure the celebrations run smoothly.
The gathering is also expected to provide an opportunity to promote Sri Lanka as a destination for religious and cultural tourism. Officials discussed the potential economic benefits of hosting a large international delegation, including increased visitor spending, additional foreign exchange earnings and greater exposure for the country’s historical Buddhist sites.
Beyond the anniversary celebrations, the World Buddhist Sangha Council has proposed financial assistance for religious institutions affected by Cyclone Ditwah. Under the initiative, 15 Buddhist temples damaged by the cyclone would each receive Rs. 500,000 towards restoration work.
The proposed support is intended to help affected temples recover from the damage and restore facilities used by monks and local communities. The initiative was discussed alongside plans for venue improvements, infrastructure arrangements and decorative work at conference locations and in surrounding cities.
The preparatory meeting brought together senior members of the Buddhist clergy, government representatives and officials from several institutions, including the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, the Department of Buddhist Affairs, Sri Lanka Police and the Sri Lanka Army.
The anniversary programme is expected to serve both as a major international Buddhist gathering and as an opportunity for Sri Lanka to highlight its religious traditions, strengthen connections with Buddhist communities abroad and support the recovery of places of worship affected by natural disasters.
