Thai PM tells Lankan Parliament Buddhism and tolerance way for peace

Reuters:  Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra made a historic address at the Sri Lankan parliament on Friday (May 31), calling on democracies around the world to work for peace.

The Thai PM is only the third foreign leader to address parliament in 65 years. Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was the first, more than three decades ago.Thaksin Shinawatra, former Thai Prime Minister and brother of the current PM, made a similar address ten years ago.

“Today, we are equally privileged and honoured to be able to listen to your address, madam Prime minister, which will be delivered after ten years from the address of your distinguished and illustrious brother Dr. Shinawatra which is a historic event in our parliament,” the speaker of theSri Lankan parliament Chamal Rajapaksa said in his welcoming address.

Shinawatra said in her address that Buddhism could play a major role in current global difficulties.

“Today, rapid change in the world with (inaudible) economic capitalism, political turmoil and social disruption, we must work together to strengthen Buddhism as a religion and a way of life. I would like to ask you all to join this quest, so that Buddhism can be a force to tolerance that brings peace not only to the individual mind but human communities as a whole,” she said.

Thailand and Sri Lanka, both majority Buddhist countries, have had close religious and cultural ties for centuries.

The Thai leader added that democracies had to work together for the good of the world.

“Democracy is the best form of government to protect the rights and liberty of people and advance society’s interests. Democracy is not an internal affair of one country alone. Democracies around the world must join to preserve and protect the people. Our two countries with our experiences and lessons can contribute greatly to the advancement of democratic forces,” Shinawatra told the parliament.

Earlier, the Thai leader held official talks with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, senior ministers and officials.

The two governments signed four bilateral agreements covering cooperation on tourism, science and technology, a sister cities partnership between Kandy and Ayutthaya and a visa exemption for officials and diplomatic passport holders.

The Thai PM is scheduled to visit a number of Buddhist temples in the capital and in the hill capital of Kandy where she will pay homage at the Temple of the Tooth on Saturday. The temple is one of the most venerated Buddhist religious places in the world.

She is also to take part in ceremonies marking the 260th anniversary of the establishment of the Siam chapter of Buddhism in the country by Thai priests.