Saturday Nov 23, 2024
Saturday Nov 23, 2024
Saturday, 16 January 2021 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Sri Lanka (SL) hosted the 13th executive council meeting of the ‘Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace’ where representatives of 25 countries joined the conference via Zoom on Thursday.
The conference was held with the participation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at Sri Sambodhi Viharaya in Colombo 07 yesterday.
Before attending the conference, the President engaged in religious rituals at the Sri Sambodhi Viharaya and Ven. Prof. Medagoda Abhayatissa Thero explained the objectives of the conference.
Anunayaka of the Malwathu Chapter Most Ven. Niyangoda Vijithasiri Thero delivered the main speech on ‘Responsibility of Buddhists in the face of COVID - 19’.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Wijayadasa Rajapaksa. Mongolian Prime Minister Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh addressed the gathering via video technology. The final speech in the first session was delivered by Ven. Dr. Maitipe Wimalasara Thero.
Following the opening of the conference, President Rajapaksa called on the Chief Incumbent of Sri Sambodhi Viharaya Ven. Boralande Vajiragnana Nayaka Thero.
The ‘Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace’ observed that acting as the host country in the face of the COVID pandemic will bring special honour to Sri Lanka and result in forming closer ties with other countries.
Maha Sangha representing the three Chapters, Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga and local and foreign Buddhist representatives were also present on the occasion.
After the World War II, the Russian and Mongolian Buddhist leaders focused on the need for an International Buddhist organisation aimed at promoting unity. Consequently, Buddhist laity and clergy gathered at Maha Viharaya in Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia on 13 June 1970 to hold the first meeting of the ‘Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace’. The second conference was held in Sri Lanka. At present, all the Buddhist countries in the world are members of this
organisation.
